Aaron Rodgers Opens Up About His Future in the NFL After ‘Disappointing’ Playoff Loss
- - Aaron Rodgers Opens Up About His Future in the NFL After ‘Disappointing’ Playoff Loss
Skyler CarusoJanuary 14, 2026 at 1:10 AM
1
Pittsburgh Steelers/Youtube
Aaron Rodgers talks at the post-game press conference on Jan. 12, 2026. -
Aaron Rodgers opened up about his future during the Steelers-Texans post-game press conference on Monday, Jan. 12
The Steelers quarterback was asked about his retirement plans, after his team was knocked out of the playoffs
In July, Rodgers said he was "pretty sure" that the 2025 season would be his last
Did Aaron Rodgers just play his last game?
The legendary quarterback, 42, was asked about his future in the NFL during a post-game press conference after the Pittsburgh Steelers were knocked out of the playoffs by the Houston Texans on Monday, Jan. 12.
"I'm not going to make any emotional decisions," Rodgers told the room full of media after the Steelers lost 30-6 at home. "Disappointed, obviously. It was such a fun year, you know, a lot of adversity, but a lot of fun."
Joe Sargent/Getty
Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks to throw a pass on Jan. 12, 2026.
"It's been a great year overall in my life in the last year," he continued. "This is a really good part of that, coming here and being a part of this team. So it's disappointing to be sitting here with the season over."
Rodgers just wrapped his 21st season in the NFL. His career began with the Green Bay Packers (2005-2022), then the New York Jets (2023-2024), and now the Pittsburgh Steelers (2025-2026).
The Steelers quarterback is a four-time NFL MVP and won Super Bowl XLV with the Packers against the Steelers in 2011. He was the second-oldest NFL quarterback this season, after quarterback Philip Rivers came out of retirement for the Indianapolis Colts at age 44.
Pittsburgh Steelers/Youtube
Aaron Rodgers speaks with media at the Steelers-Texans post-game press conference on Jan. 12, 2026.
Rodgers addressed the question about retirement after one of the team's toughest losses of the season. He completed 17 of 33 passes for 146 yards with no touchdowns, one interception and two fumbles.
While the NFL vet kept his comments on retirement brief, Monday Night Football lead analyst Troy Aikman put forth the idea that the Steelers-Texans game could have very well been Rodgers' last game of his career.
"I think we are watching Aaron Rodgers’ last game and what we saw of Philip Rivers this year when he came out and decided to come out of retirement and play for the Colts, who knows what next year might bring," Aikman said.
Justin K. Aller/Getty
Aaron Rodgers.
"He might be willing to come in at some point if a team needs a quarterback. I doubt that will happen," he continued. "I don’t imagine he’s gonna say he wants to come back and sign with the Steelers again or with another team."
Take PEOPLE with you! Subscribe to PEOPLE magazine to get the latest details on celebrity news, exclusive royal updates, how-it-happened true crime stories and more — right to your mailbox.
Last week, the NFL Network reported the Steelers would be "more than open" to bringing Rodgers back for next season if he decides against retirement.
Rodgers said in July that he was "pretty sure" he would retire after the 2025 season when speaking on The Pat McAfee Show.
on People
Source: “AOL Sports”
