Rodgers said in July he was “pretty sure” he would retire following the 2025 campaign.
But before the regular-season finale in Pittsburgh, he left the door open, noting he was on a one-year deal and would have options if his career continued.
Whether or not that happens will ultimately be the big question, and Rodgers, a big but mercurial talent, has taken his time before.
He did not sign with the Steelers last season until June 5th. His partnership with the club since then has yielded the desired results, even with a difficult spot in the middle of the season.
Pittsburgh got off to a 4-1 start and, after falling all the way to .500 at 6-6 in Week 13, rallied to win its first AFC North title since 2020. Rodgers obviously played a big role in the promotion. He threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and just seven interceptions for a 94.8 passer rating, and his veteran presence helped the Steelers navigate through a rough patch. That gave him something to play for late in the year for the first time in several campaigns, and Monday’s matchup with Texas will mark his first playoff appearance since the 2021 season.
He’s still showing his age (certainly considering his otherworldly peak), the offense could use another pass catcher or two, and the Steelers need to get back to playing great defense, but Year 1 of the Rodgers-Steelers relationship has undoubtedly been a success. That’s why Pittsburgh would like to run it again.
Of course, such decisions will have to wait.
At the moment, all eyes are on finding a way past Houston.