Rodgers Declares 2026 Season Will Be His Final NFL Year

Aaron Rodgers has stated that the upcoming NFL season will mark the end of his professional career. The veteran quarterback confirmed the plan during a media session after agreeing to join the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year contract. His announcement ends months of speculation about whether he would continue playing on a year-to-year basis.

The 42-year-old signal-caller is entering what would be his 22nd season in the league. Rodgers previously expressed uncertainty about his long-term future after returning for another year, but he now says he intends to retire once the season concludes. The Steelers organization has not commented on whether the agreement includes any performance incentives tied to his retirement timeline.

Rodgers ranks among the league’s all-time leaders in touchdown passes and passing yards. Only four quarterbacks have thrown more touchdowns than he has, and only four have accumulated more passing yards. He remains one of five players with at least four NFL Most Valuable Player awards.

Whether Rodgers alters his stated plans remains to be seen, given his history of revisiting retirement decisions. Should he complete the season as outlined, his career will close after two decades of professional play with the Steelers as his final team.