Aaron Rodgers says he was ready to retire before a last-minute change led him to return for a season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 42-year-old quarterback says he had reached a point where he was “content” walking away from football, but his plans shifted after Mike McCarthy was hired by the Steelers.
Both outlets link Rodgers’ decision to the McCarthy hiring, framing it as the catalyst for his change in course. Yahoo Sports emphasizes Rodgers’ personal comfort with leaving the sport and presents the McCarthy hire as the reason for his return. Times of India adds context around Rodgers’ history with McCarthy in Green Bay, describing the reunion as a “full circle” moment and presenting it as tied to Rodgers completing his career on his terms.
Rodgers is entering the 2024 season on a one-year Steelers contract, and Times of India reports that he has confirmed 2026 will be his final campaign. Across sources, the central point is that Rodgers’ retirement decision is influenced by McCarthy’s presence as he weighs how his final years should unfold.
