Aaron Rodgers has already spent 21 seasons in the NFL, and he is now buckling up for one last ride in 2026.
Rodgers recently discussed his retirement plans on “The Pat McAfee Show”, but one of his comments also appeared to take a subtle shot at Tom Brady and his friendship with billionaire Michael Rubin.
Aaron Rodgers Throws What Sounds Like a Light Jab at Tom Brady and Michael Rubin
Talking about what life will look like once he’s done playing, Rodgers said he’s not interested in staying in the spotlight.
“I’m going out after this,” he said. “I’m not going to be, you know, out there doing a podcast, chasing down weird (expletive) parties in the East Coast and wearing white. I’m not going to be doing anything. I’m going to be out of the light.”
The comment about “weird (expletive) parties” and “wearing white” looks like a thinly veiled reference to Rubin’s annual all-white party in the Hamptons.
The Fanatics founder hosts the exclusive event each summer, with Brady regularly among the celebrity guests dressed in the signature all-white attire.
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Brady has been Fanatics’ exclusive memorabilia partner since 2020, and he regularly shows up at Rubin’s brand events, sports showcases, and rookie mentorship programs.
The two are tight, both in business and socially, and Brady’s presence at Rubin’s gatherings has become something of an annual tradition for the retired quarterback.
That close friendship, however, has recently drawn increased scrutiny. Brady drew criticism this summer after two run-ins with Logan Paul, a physical altercation at Fanatics Fest, and a viral middle-finger exchange caught on camera at the FIFA World Cup final.
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Dave Portnoy was among those who called out Brady for leaning so hard into Rubin’s celebrity orbit, arguing that it doesn’t quite align with his image as one of the greatest ever to play football.
Rodgers’ vision for retirement appears to stand in stark contrast to Brady’s. Unlike Brady, who has embraced a high-profile post-retirement lifestyle, Rodgers suggested he wants to stay out of the spotlight once his playing days are over.
On the field, Rodgers still has something left to show for this past season. Playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, he threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns against just 7 interceptions, completing 65.7% of his passes.
He also added 61 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries across 16 games. It was another solid season for a quarterback in his 40s, earning him a 71.9 Pro Football Network QB Impact Grade.
