Steelers' Aaron Rodgers keeps retirement options open ahead of must-win Ravens game

Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers keeps retirement options open ahead of must-win Ravens game

42-year-old quarterback on one-year deal says he'll consider options if he 'still wants to play'

Paulina Dedaj Fox News

Published

January 1, 2026 4:39pm EST

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Aaron Rodgers spent the offseason sounding like a quarterback nearing the end. But as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for a win-or-go-home Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the four-time MVP suddenly appears open to returning for another season.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Rodgers didn’t shut the door on the possibility of returning for a 22nd season.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

"I'm thinking about this week, but obviously I'm 42 years old and I'm on a one-year deal," he said, via ESPN.

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"So you know what the situation is. Whenever the season ends, I'll be a free agent. So that'll give me a lot of options if I still want to play. I mean, not a lot of options, but there'll be options, I would think, maybe one or two, if I decide I still want to play."

Rodgers' apparent change of heart comes months after he explained why the 2025 season would likely be his last.

"I’ve played 20 frickin' years, it’s been a long run, and I’ve enjoyed it and what better place to finish than one of the cornerstone franchises in the NFL with [Steelers head coach] Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and guys in a city that expects you to win," he said during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" in June.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers celebrates score

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers reacts after a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan, on Dec. 21, 2025. (Rey Del Rio/AP Photo)

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Rodgers has thrown for 3,028 yards with 23 touchdowns and 7 interceptions and has a real shot of making a playoff appearance with a win over Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on Sunday.

"I hope I can get through this stretch and feel good physically so that's not in the conversation," he added.

The next hurdle is a must-win game against Baltimore. The AFC North title is on the line, as is a spot in the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers runs off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Ohio, on Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/David Richard)

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The Steelers host the Ravens Sunday night at 8:20 p.m. ET.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Paulina Dedaj is a Sports Reporter for Fox News Digital.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers keeps retirement options open ahead of must-win Ravens game