Aaron Rodgers opens up on choosing Steelers over retirement: ‘I just wanted to be all in’

After months of speculation about whether he would retire, Aaron Rodgers made headlines once again, this time by choosing to continue his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In a conversation on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers explained what ultimately drove him to reject retirement and commit to one last chapter playing for Mike Tomlin.

“I mean, I think it’s not really ‘I can’t go out like this.’ I love the game and there’s been a beautiful relationship. It was my first love when I was six-years old dreaming about playing quarterback and being in a Super Bowl and winning a Super Bowl.”

Why retirement was a real option for Aaron Rodgers?

Following his torn Achilles tendon in Week 1 of the 2023 season with the Jets, many believed Rodgers’ career was over. The injury typically requires 9 to 12 months of recovery, and for a 39-year-old quarterback, that was a daunting hill to climb.

But Rodgers defied expectations. Not only did he return to practice within 11 weeks of surgery, he stayed mentally engaged and physically disciplined throughout his rehab. Still, retirement loomed in his mind.

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The Mike Tomlin Factor: Trust, honesty, and clarity

What tipped the scales in Pittsburgh’s favor? According to Aaron Rodgers, it was undoubtedly the consistent support and authenticity of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

“I just wanted to be all in. I had so many other things going on in my life that were taking my mind and my energy elsewhere. That’s why I appreciated how Mike Tomlin was the entire time. Just being able to have those honest conversations every single week was really meaningful to me.”

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Rodgers made it clear that the bond he formed with Tomlin played a pivotal role in his decision. At this stage in his career, what mattered most was trust and alignment with leadership. Tomlin provided that stability and direction, something Rodgers said had been missing.