Rodgers could follow in the footsteps of another NFL great

 

 

 

PITTSBURGH Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been tipped to retire from the NFL.

The 42-year-old is set to make the decision after the Steelers‘ playoff defeat to the Houston Texans.

 
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Aaron Rodgers looks on during the Pittsburgh Steelers’ loss to the Houston Texans

 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. 12th Jan, 2026. Steelers quarterback AARON RODGERS (8) before the start of an NFL Wild Card Playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Texans
Rodgers in action for the Steelers against the Texans

 

 

 

Rodgers is expected to walk away from the gridiron after an incredible 21-year career.

He said on the Pat McAfee Show before the season that he expects this year to be his last.

And his Steelers suffered a humiliating 30-6 home Wild Card playoff loss to the Texans.

It is the seventh straight playoff loss for the Steelers.

 

 

 

Commentator Joe Buck, 56, explained during ESPN‘s broadcast of the game that Rodgers had hinted at retirement before the game.

He also suggested that the NFL legend could return next season if a franchise is in need of a mid-season quarterback switch.

This would follow a trend started by the 44-year-old Philip Rivers this season.

 

 

 

Quarterback Rivers came out of retirement after five years to assist the Indianapolis Colts late on in the year.

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, 59, has backed up the view that Rodgers will retire after the Steelers’ latest loss.

“I think we are watching Aaron Rodgers’ last game,” Aikman said.

“He might be willing to come in at some point if a team needs a QB.

 

 

 

“I doubt that will happen. I don’t imagine he’s gonna say he wants to come back and sign with the Steelers again or with another team.”

Rodgers joined the Steelers ahead of the 2025 NFL season.

He had previously spent two miserable seasons with the New York Jets.

 

 

 

This came after an 18-year career with the Green Bay Packers where he was named as a four-time NFL MVP.

Veteran Rodgers won his only Super Bowl with the Packers during the 2010 NFL campaign.

He sent a cryptic retirement message ahead of the Steelers’ final regular season game against the Baltimore Ravens.

But he masterminded an incredible victory for the Steelers as a missed field goal pushed them to the playoffs.

 

 

 

However, an unfortunate twist of fate could mean that his last touchdown pass was a pick-six to the Texans during the Steelers’ huge loss.

The Texans will now face the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, January 18.