Is Aaron Rodgers retiring? What Steelers QB has said about 2026 plans, future in NFL

Soon enough, Aaron Rodgers will have his name in Canton as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL.

In his storied career, Rodgers established himself as one of the most efficient and statistically dominant passers in league history. His accolades include an impressive four NFL Most Valuable Player awards (2011, 2014, 2020, 2021), a Super Bowl XLV championship, and a Super Bowl MVP award.

Rodgers is the all-time NFL leader in career passer rating and holds the record for the best touchdown-to-interception ratio (over 4:1), solidifying his reputation for historic accuracy and ball security. Rodgers also set the NFL single-season passer rating record with a phenomenal 122.5 in 2011, making him one of the most decorated and peerless quarterbacks of his era.

In 2026, Rodgers now has led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the postseason in his first year in black and yellow. But, the question on everyone's mind is: will it be his final year in the NFL?

Here's what to know about Rodgers' rumored retirement.

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Is Aaron Rodgers retiring?

Rodgers has not given a definitive answer to whether he is retiring after the season. When asked about it after the Steelers' thrilling "Sunday Night Football" win to advance to the postseason, the signal-caller avoided the question.

NBC’s Melissa Stark asking Aaron Rodgers about retirement was really unprofessional, in my opinion

Steelers just won a thriller against their arch rival. Read the room…

Also, responding to Rodgers’ answer with “had to ask it”, made it worse.

This is another reason why fans,… pic.twitter.com/xobgwwYfay

— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) January 5, 2026

Before he joined the Steelers, retirement rumors were swirling after Rodgers' two years with the New York Jets. In his first year in New York, he tore his achilles four plays into the season, and in 2024, the Jets finished a measly 5-12 even with the quarterback finishing near the top of franchise single-season leaderboards.

Rodgers said that he will think about it after the season, saying there will be options if he still wants to play.

Damn: Aaron Rodgers speaks on his future in the NFL and potential retirement after the season.

“I'm 42... Whenever the season ends, I'll be a free agent. That’ll give me a lot of options if I still want to play… Maybe 1 or 2 if I still want to play.”Pic.twitter.com/J5eHfSx6u9

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 31, 2025

Though before the 2025 season, Rodgers did say on the Pat McAfee show that he's "pretty sure" this will be his final NFL season.

Aaron Rodgers says he's "pretty sure" this will be his final NFL season, via @PatMcAfeeShow

"Pretty sure this is it." 😮 pic.twitter.com/TRSQUtGL0j

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 24, 2025

Speculation will continue to build, especially after the Steelers' season is over. But, expect Rodgers to be the one announcing his decision.

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How old is Aaron Rodgers?

Rodgers is 42 years old. He is the oldest remaining player in the NFL playoffs; only Philip Rivers, when he came out of retirement, was older in the league in 2025.

Aaron Rodgers’ REMARKABLE Game-Winning Drive, to lead his team into the playoffs at 42 years old.Pic.twitter.com/EPqXr00Lao

— Football Is Life (@FootbaIl_Tweets) January 5, 2026

The Green Bay Packers selected him as the 24th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft on April 23, 2005.

Oldest active players in NFL

Rodgers was the second-oldest player in the NFL this season behind Rivers, who signed with the Colts for the final four games.

MORE: Aaron Rodgers opens up about retirement planning possibilities for 2026