"This is it," Aaron Rodgers Proclaims This Season as his Last

Speculation has been a common narrative in the twilight of Aaron Rodgers' career. The four-time NFL MVP approached this season similar to last season, with fans wondering if he would return to football as Offseason Training Activities (OTAs) were underway.

Rodgers officially signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last week, ending any doubts about his plans for the upcoming season. In a press conference today, he also ended doubts on his future beyond the 2026 season.

When asked if this could be his last season, Rodgers bluntly stated "yes, this is it."

The 42-year-old will be reunited with new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy. Rodgers played for McCarthy in Green Bay for 13 seasons. The duo won Super Bowl XLV in the 2010 season, ironically against the Steelers.

Rodgers is essential to the Steelers' success in 2026. The team is built to win now, especially after signing Michael Pittman, Jamel Dean, Jaquan Brisker, and Rico Dowdle in free agency. It's highly unlikely they would do that if they planned to roll with the inexperienced Will Howard or Drew Allar under center.

For all intents and purposes, Rodgers played well under Arthur Smith's conservative offense in 2025, throwing 24 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. However, a 7th consecutive embarrassing playoff loss left Steeler fans feeling like they were stuck in football purgatory.

With Mike McCarthy calling plays, and more dynamic weapons around Rodgers, the Steelers are expected to air it out more. New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is keen on playing a more modern defense, which has plagued the Steelers in the past despite having a great deal of talent on that side of the ball.

As the curtain prepares to close on one of the most storied careers in NFL history, Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crossroads of legacy and urgency. This is the last chance for the Steelers before they rebuild with a new quarterback in 2027. The pieces are in place, but their success will come down to the health and play of Rodgers.

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 12:32 PM.