The NFL has entered another season, and so has Aaron Rodgers, but with a significant announcement. The four-time MVP revealed that this is the last time fans will see him play, prompting mixed reactions. 

“#Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers, the 4x MVP and future Hall of Famer, said today he will retire after the 2026 season,” NFL insider Ari Meriov posted on X on May 20. 

 “This is it,” Rodgers reportedly said.

After a silence that lasted for almost four months, Rodgers finally signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. NFL insider Adam Schefter and then ESPN reported that this is worth up to $25 million. 

It marks Rodgers’ second season with the franchise and, admittedly, his last too. At age 42, Rodgers is the oldest active quarterback. He previously said that the 2025 season would be the last one, but on May 18, ESPN reported that he was back in Pittsburgh.

“...recently returned to the Pittsburgh area ahead of Monday's OTAs and was seen getting ice cream with several teammates at a local shop Friday night.”

This deal between Rodgers and the Steelers comes weeks after they placed a UFA Tender on him. That procedural move ensured either a compensatory pick if he signed elsewhere before training camp or restricted him from doing so after camp began. 

Rodgers, who turns 43 this December, was drafted 24th overall in 2005. He has only one Super Bowl title, with his former long-term franchise, the Green Bay Packers.

“I played 20 f******* years. It's been a long run,” he told Pat McAfee last year. “I've enjoyed it, and no 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 in the city that expects you to win.”

As Rodgers and the Steelers proceed into what could be his last NFL season, fans have varying reactions to this news.

Aaron Rodgers’ Retirement Plans Leave NFL Fans Split

On May 20, NFL insider Ari Meriov made an X post, sharing that the 2026 season is Aaron Rodgers’ last. In the comments section, some fans were sad, and others were dismissive.

“Rodgers LeBron farewell tour in the same year,” one captioned a reaction gif of a crying person. 

NBA insider Shams Charania shared that basketball star LeBron James might play for another year, but with which team is unclear.

“Thinking of the league without Aaron Rodgers…” another replied with a picture of a teary-eyed person.

However, Rodgers’ critics reacted negatively based on his contracts. 

“Until the next money grab,” one commented. 

Another comment brought up Rodgers’ 2025 deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, whose maximum value was $19.5 million.

“He made 16,000,000+ last year. What a waste of money for the Steelers.”

Meanwhile, one critic was unimpressed with the announcement altogether. 

“Of course he needed to announce a retirement tour. He needs the attention.”

Despite the varying reactions, Rodgers is rolling with plans for the future. What are your thoughts on this announcement?

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community! 

Written by

Akanksha Biradar