Aaron Rodgers has grabbed the microphone. The maybe future QB of the Pittsburgh Steelers has something to say.
Of course, this is "The Enigma'' we're talking about. So Rodgers' "announcement'' is cryptic and coy and cute.
During an recent appearance at a concert in Austin staged by a musician who calls himself “Mike Stud,” Rodgers was mic'ed up when he was asked if he’d ever sign with the Chicago Bears, who he famously and repeatedly mocked during his days with the Green Bay Packers.
“I believe there’s a team that might play in Chicago this year on a road trip,” Rodgers replied.
See? Cryptic and coy and cute.
The Steelers as you surely know, play at Chicago this season. ... on November 23, which is Week 12.
And now we have as close to a "commitment'' as the four-time NFL MVP has made regarding his future.
The Steelers, it is believed, are aware of All Things Aaron as they wait to hear what he decides on his NFL future. They are surely aware of his devotion to a romantic relationship and they are surely aware that, as Rodgers recently noted, some people in his circle are dealing with cancer as he's vowed to be there for him.
So ...
Owner Art Rooney II continues to remain optimistic and head coach Mike Tomlin does the same, with the idea of welcoming in a future Hall of Famer on his own terms - and under the terms of a one-year, $30 million deal that's been offered.
Rodgers is easily the best option at Pittsburgh’s disposal; he will be, even on the wrong side of 40, the top quarterback in a room with young journeyman Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard.
Insider Aditi Kinkhabwala recently shared an optimistic view of the situation.
"He kept talking about feeling significantly better," Kinkhabwala said in a radio visit. "I expect him to, this year, be significantly better than he was last year, physically. It's just the ... added year of post-injury that should have an impact."
Frankly, expecting Rodgers to be something more than he was during the New York Jets' 5-10 season in 2024 seems unrealistic.
But at this point, having waited this long?
Rodgers - and all of the crypic and all of the coy and all of the cute - remains their best answer.