Aaron Rodgers, Minnesota Vikings
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Aaron Rodgers #8 of Pittsburgh Steelers looks on after beating the Minnesota Vikings.
With the NFL’s free agency window opening up on March 11th, future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers is still uncertain about whether or not he will return for his 22nd career season. If he were to return, it would likely be with the team that he spent last season with, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The four-time MVP joined The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday to give an update on his future. While he did not give an answer on whether or not he will come back to play for Pittsburgh in 2026, he had nothing but great things to say about the team’s fan base and the city of Pittsburgh.
Aaron Rodgers Gives Flowers to Pittsburgh Steelers Fans
Steelers.
GettySteelers veterans Cam Heyward and Aaron Rodgers helped guide the franchise to an AFC North title last season.
Rodgers was full of admiration while speaking about the many fans who cheered him and the Steelers on last season, especially the fans of Pittsburgh. Here is what he had to say about his 2025 experience with Steelers fans:
“I had a really good experience, and the people were great…I’m talking about good-hearted, kind human beings. Pittsburgh, I can’t say enough good things.”
Now 42 years of age, Rodgers has seen everything that there is to see for an NFL quarterback. Having played for the Green Bay Packers for 18 seasons, the former Super Bowl champion knows what a great fan base is all about. It seems as though his time with Steelers fans was of great significance, as it reminded him of his time along Lombardi Avenue.
Aaron Rodgers’ 2025 Season Was a Successful One
Aaron Rodgers
GettyAaron Rodgers won 10+ games in the regular season for the 11th time in his career last season.
No, Rodgers and the Steelers were not able to go on a deep playoff run after winning the division crown. No, Mike Tomlin will not return as head coach in Pittsburgh. However, this does not mean the season was a failure for Rodgers himself.
After last winning a division title and making the playoffs in 2021, Rodgers finally returned to playing meaningful football in January. He also showed elite toughness as he played through a fractured wrist during the second half of the season. Furthermore, he posted respectable numbers (24-7 TD-INT ratio) while having to shoulder much of the offensive load. While his numbers didn’t scream MVP, he more than showed his value week in and week out.
Looking ahead to a possible return to playing in 2026, if Rodgers were to come back, he would likely be taking the field for the Steelers and former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. From 2008-2018, Rodgers and McCarthy were one of the best quarterback-head coach duos in the entire league. The team made eight playoff appearances, won five division titles, and won Super Bowl XLV.
While Rodgers, who won two of his four MVPs under McCarthy’s leadership, is likely past his prime, he is still one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. His familiarity with McCarthy, along with his happiness in the Steel City, could convince him to return to play for the black and gold in 2026.