Aaron Rodgers Announces Retirement After 2026 Season

Stephen A. Smith reacts to Aaron Rodgers signing a one-year deal to return to the Steelers. (1:11)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Wednesday that the 2026 season will be the last of his Hall of Fame-worthy career.

"Yes. This is it," Rodgers said when asked at a news conference in Pittsburgh whether this would be his final NFL season.

The four-time NFL MVP signed a one-year contract worth up to $25 million with the Steelers this week, reuniting with coach Mike McCarthy, his coach for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers .

Rodgers, 42, called it a "full circle" moment to be able to play for McCarthy again.

Rodgers won two of his four NFL MVP awards playing under McCarthy and a Super Bowl championship after the 2010 season when Green Bay defeated the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.

Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.65 million deal with the Steelers in June 2025, reaching the decision after several months of contemplation. Soon after, Rodgers told "The Pat McAfee Show" that the 2025 season would likely be his last.

However, after discussions with his general manager Omar Khan, McCarthy and his wife, he decided to return for this final season, making the call after the NFL draft.

_Originally reported by [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48827851/steelers-aaron-rodgers-says-plans-retire-season)._