Rodgers confirms 2026 as final NFL season with Steelers

Aaron Rodgers has officially confirmed that the 2026 NFL season will be his final year in the league, bringing an end to prolonged speculation regarding his retirement. Speaking at a news conference in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, the 42-year-old quarterback stated definitively that this would be his last season, describing the announcement as a "full circle" moment.

Rodgers, who previously spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers, is currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He recently signed a one-year contract with the team valued at up to US$25 million. The confirmation allows for a structured farewell tour, with Week 16 designated as his final home game and Week 18 set as his last regular-season match against the Baltimore Ravens.

The decision follows conversations with his wife and Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who Rodgers noted influenced his choice to return for one final season. Rodgers described the situation as having "some doubt" about whether he would play again, but ultimately decided to conclude his career under the same coaching regime that defined much of his early success in Green Bay.

Rodgers leaves the sport with a distinguished legacy, including 23 seasons played, four MVP awards, and a Super Bowl victory following the 2010 season. He is tied with Lamar Jackson for the best career passer rating in NFL history among qualified quarterbacks. His 2011 season, featuring 45 touchdowns and only six interceptions, is often cited as one of the greatest performances by a quarterback.

The announcement concludes a period of uncertainty and public scrutiny surrounding the athlete. Rodgers has faced criticism for his political views, comments on immunisation in 2021, and personal family rifts. Former Packers general manager Ted Thompson once described Rodgers as a "complicated fella," a label that has persisted throughout his tenure in the league.