Close Friend Of Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Makes Bold Statement On The Veteran QB's Potential Retirement

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in a weird spot at the quarterback position ever since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger following the 2021 season. The organization has tried a few different things at the position, including drafting Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. That did not work out in the long run, and the franchise later then turned to both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields during the 2024 season. 2025 marks another consecutive season that the quarterback room has been completely turned over, and this time around, it is Aaron Rodgers leading the way.

Rodgers will be turning 42 years old during the 2025 NFL season. Pittsburgh signed him as a free agent after he was released by the New York Jets at the start of the 2025 offseason. It was a long and drawn out process to sign the quarterback as he dealt with some personal issues and also considered the idea of retiring, which is completely understandable considering he is in his 21st season in the league in 2025. His former teammate and close friend Randall Cobb recently went on the podcast Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel and was asked about how much longer he thinks Rodgers could play at a decent level.

"Realistically, I see it this year, if he stays healthy, I think he could make that decision after this year," Cobb said. "I can see two more. Two more real years. Will he do that? I don't know. I mean I was up at the last game of the season last year because I thought that was the end. I didn't know if he was going to play another down just based off of some of the conversation we had had, but I don't think he wanted to go out like that either."

Cobb and Rodgers were teammates from 2011 to 2019, and again from 2021 to 2022, with the Green Bay Packers, followed by a reunion with the New York Jets. Cobb states that he could see Rodgers making the decision to retire after the 2026 season. The quarterback is only under contract in Pittsburgh through the end of the 2025 season, so he would have to be brought back on a new deal. The Steelers' quarterback situation in 2026 is completely up in the air, so there is a slim possibility that a second season of Rodgers could happen.

Rodgers is the Godfather of one of Cobb's children, which showcases just how close the two truly are. Cobb did not state that he had spoken with Rodgers about the possibility of retiring or not, but if anyone knows where the quarterback's head is at, it is certainly him.

Rodgers has gotten off to a decent start to the 2025 season. He has had some issues with interceptions as he has thrown three and had several others dropped. He is still getting into the groove of things within a new offense while also building chemistry with his new teammates around him. Things should improve as the year goes along, and if things go especially well, it could influence his decision on the 2026 season.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Has Played Both Sides Of The Retirement Card

During the 2025 offseason, after signing with Pittsburgh, Rodgers went on The Pat McAfee Show to discuss his new home. He was asked about signing a one-year deal, and he insinuated strongly that he signed it because this was going to be his final season playing football. Fast forward to training camp, and Rodgers was making appearances on his teammate's podcasts where he was not ruling out playing in 2026. 

It will be interesting to see what happens with him later on in the year, especially once the 2025 season comes to a close.

What do you think Rodgers will be doing in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!

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