Aaron Rodgers has officially revealed that the 2025 NFL season will be his last. In a candid appearance on The Pat McAfee Show Tuesday, the 41-year-old quarterback confirmed what many had speculated: this will be his final ride in professional football — and it will happen in black and gold. This announcement marks the beginning of what fans are calling the Aaron Rodger Final Season.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it,” Rodgers said. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on it or anything. This was really about finishing with a lot of love, and fun, and peace for the career that I’ve had.”
Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this month, ending months of speculation about whether he’d return to the New York Jets or hang up the cleats altogether. Instead, the four-time MVP will take one last crack at a Super Bowl — with one of the NFL’s most historic franchises, making this truly special as it is the Aaron Rodger Final Season.
Why Pittsburgh? Rodgers Opens Up About Final Chapter
The future Hall of Famer didn’t mince words about why he chose Pittsburgh as the place to close out his 20-year career.
“I mean, I’ve played 20 freaking years,” Rodgers joked. “It’s been a long run and I’ve enjoyed it. What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL? With Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership, and great guys, and a city that expects you to win.”
The pairing of Rodgers and Tomlin has long intrigued NFL fans. Mutual respect between the two has been clear for years, but few predicted the partnership would ever materialize. Now, in what feels like the NFL’s version of a farewell tour, Rodgers and the Steelers will chase one last title together.
Rodgers’ Final Opponents: A Farewell Tour in the Making
Rodgers’ goodbye tour won’t be a quiet one. The Steelers’ 2025 schedule sets up a series of marquee matchups across the league, giving fans everywhere a chance to say goodbye.
Steelers 2025 Road Opponents (Rodgers’ Farewell Stadiums):
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Chicago Bears
- Baltimore Ravens
- Detroit Lions
- Cleveland Browns
These games are now guaranteed to be sellouts, as Rodgers’ final visits will add historic context to each matchup.
Week 8: Rodgers Returns to Green Bay on Sunday Night Football
Circle the date: Week 8. The Steelers will host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football in what’s expected to be the emotional high point of Rodgers’ final season.
It will be the first — and likely only — time Rodgers plays against his former team since leaving in 2023. Expect tributes, ovations, and perhaps even tears as Rodgers takes the field opposite the organization where he became a legend.
Steelers Preseason Will Feature Rodgers
Unlike some teams that rest starters in August, Mike Tomlin has traditionally played his veterans during the preseason — and that trend is expected to continue.
Rodgers will likely suit up in at least one of the following preseason games:
- At Jacksonville Jaguars
- At Carolina Panthers
Steelers fans in the Southeast could get a rare up-close look at the veteran quarterback before the real games begin.
Legacy on the Line
Aaron Rodgers will enter the 2025 season with:
- 4 MVP awards
- 1 Super Bowl title
- Over 59,000 passing yards
- 475 career touchdowns
But he made it clear that this year isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about winning.
“I’m not coming here to coast through my final year,” Rodgers said. “I’m here to compete, to win, and to leave it all out there one last time.”
Final Thoughts: One Last Ride in the Steel City
The 2025 season just became appointment viewing. With Aaron Rodgers announcing this will be his final year, every snap he takes in Pittsburgh becomes part of NFL history.
The focus now turns to how far this Steelers team can go — and whether Rodgers has one more playoff run left in him.
