The day is April 17, and Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned. In what feels like a never-ending saga, the future Hall of Famer may be nearing a decision. With the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings predicted to be the teams still in on Rodgers, could he join one of the two? Or is it time for Rodgers to hang it up at 41 years old?
Aaron Rodgers Joins Pat McAfee To Discuss Future and Delay in Decision
Rodgers and Pat McAfee have been longtime friends, with the legendary QB joining “The Pat McAfee Show” regularly. Many believed Rodgers would appear and sign with Pittsburgh during McAfee’s “Big Night AHT” live show from the Steel City. While that didn’t happen, Rodgers joined the show nearly a week later to debrief with McAfee and company.
"I'm 41 years old and I have some off the field stuff going on that requires my attention..
I have a couple people in my inner circle who are really battling some difficult stuff..
To make a commitment to a team is a big thing"@AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/24oHonR31a
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow)
McAfee opened the discussion by asking where Rodgers’ head is at and why the process has taken so long.
“I’ll set it all straight, I have no problem,” said Rodgers. “Listen, from the jump, I’m in a different phase of my life. I’m 41 years old, I’m in a serious relationship, I have off-the-field stuff going on that requires my attention.
“I have personal commitments I made not knowing what my future was going to look like after last year that are important to me. I have a couple people in my inner circle who are really battling some difficult stuff.”
Rodgers went on to explain how real-life priorities have delayed his decision.
“I have a lot of things that are taking my attention and have been since really January, away from football,” said Rodgers. “That’s where I’ve been focusing most of my attention. To make a commitment to a team is a big thing — whether you’re a first-year player or a 20-year vet.”
The four-time NFL MVP added that football takes up “a small percentage” of his current time, with his main focus on personal matters and helping those close to him.
McAfee pivoted the conversation by asking if retirement is still on the table. He also mentioned that Rodgers’ rumored $10 million price tag makes it easier for teams to add the veteran quarterback.
"I wasn't stringing anybody along and I was honest with these teams from the jump..
There's still conversations that are being had and I've really appreciated the teams that I've talked to"@AaronRodgers12 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/zTEQ6O2Z7X
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow)
“That’s what I told them in March, in the beginning, you can ask any one of the teams I talked to,” said Rodgers. “That was the conversation. But also, the conversation about where I was at in my personal life, the stuff I’m dealing with off the field, in my inner circle. That has to take my attention right now.”
Rodgers continued, “I wasn’t stringing anybody along, I wasn’t holding anybody hostage, I was honest from the jump about where I was mentally and some of the constraints I have in my life right now that warrant my attention.”
The longtime Green Bay Packers QB wrapped up by stating he remains open-minded about everything.
“I’m open to anything and attached to nothing,” said Rodgers. “So yeah, retirement could still be a possibility. But right now my focus is and has been and will continue to be on my personal life, and that’s what I’ve told the coaches.
“There’s still conversations that are being had. It’s all been very honest lines of communication. I’ve really appreciated the time I’ve talked to the various teams.”
With the long-rumored New York Giants likely done retooling their QB room, it appears Rodgers has two options left, along with retirement. While the one-time Super Bowl champ spends time away from the game, the NFL Draft could provide a big indicator of where those teams stand on potentially adding Rodgers down the line.