Aaron Rodgers is officially back for the 2025 NFL season — this time, in black and gold. The four-time NFL MVP has signed a one-year deal to join Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers. But Rodgers’ recent comments about retirement have raised some eyebrows.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers revealed that this upcoming season will likely be his last before he retires. He also spoke about stepping away from the spotlight post-retirement and took aim at the relentless media coverage surrounding him.
However, those remarks are now drawing criticism. On ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike, analyst Chris Canty questioned Rodgers’ motivations and how committed he truly is to helping the Steelers win.
“It is the definition of self-serving with the timing of Aaron Rodgers doing this,” Canty said, as quoted by SteelerNation.com. “Everything we heard him say on The McAfee Show had nothing to do with helping the Pittsburgh Steelers compete for a championship. It all had to do with him saying he wants to come back for the love of the game.”
Rodgers joined the Steelers earlier this month after parting ways with the New York Jets. His stint in New York began with high expectations in 2023 but ended abruptly when he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1. He returned in 2024 but led the team to a disappointing 5-12 finish.
With his move to Pittsburgh, Rodgers reunites with a competitive AFC squad looking to break their postseason drought. The Steelers haven’t reached a Super Bowl since losing to Rodgers and the Packers in Super Bowl XLV. Now, they’re hoping he can guide them back.
Julian Edelman Questions Steelers’ Super Bowl Hopes with Rodgers
While the signing has generated buzz, not everyone is optimistic. Former NFL wide receiver Julian Edelman expressed skepticism during an appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.
“I think they are going to be a solid football team, as they always are. I think they’ll be a little better than last year. Do I think they’re gonna win a Super Bowl? No,” Edelman said.
He praised the Steelers’ culture and Mike Tomlin’s leadership but noted concerns about Rodgers’ chemistry with his new teammates.
“Aaron doesn’t know his teammates… When he did that last time (with the Jets), they didn’t have a good first eight weeks. And then he turned it on because he started learning his teammates,” Edelman added.
Rodgers is set to make his Steelers debut in September in a marquee matchup against the reigning Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles.
