Amidst continued speculation surrounding the future of four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, a former NFL general manager has suggested that the player’s career is over. Many have grown frustrated with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ apparent dallying with regards to moving on from Rodgers, believing that the player simply isn’t interested.
That is also the view of former New York Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum, who believes the team should look to the NFL Draft for its next quarterback.
Former NFL General Manager Accuses Aaron Rodgers of ‘Wallowing’
During a recent episode of “First Take” on ESPN, Tannenbaum was asked by host Molly Querim whether or not the Steelers should end their pursuit of Rodgers. The former general manager was unequivocal in his answer, declaring the Rodgers era to be over.
“Molly, 100%. He’s giving us the answers to the test.” He then turned to Jason McCourty, who was also in the studio. “You’ve played. Do you want your battlefield commander to be wallowing, looking at the Pacific Ocean, saying, ‘I’m not sure if I wanna play?'”
Tannenbaum was referencing a recent interview that Rodgers gave on “The Pat McAfee Show,” in which he stated that his main focus was away from football. Explaining his radio silence regarding his future, Rodgers claimed to be dealing with some personal matters.
“You know, 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 that I’ve made, not knowing what my future was going to look like after last year, that are important to me.
“And I have a couple [of] people in my inner, inner circle who are really battling some difficult stuff.”
"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)
‘It’s Over’ – Tannenbaum Calls Time on Rodgers
While noting Rodgers’ status as an all-time great, Tannenbaum dismissed the quarterback as a viable option in 2025 and urged the Steelers to look elsewhere. In his opinion, Pittsburgh should address its quarterback situation by taking a rookie signal-caller in the upcoming draft.
“Aaron Rodgers is an all-time great; it’s over, guys.” Tannenbaum then quoted Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, suggesting that Rodgers’ lack of commitment to this point is a sign that the team would be better off without him.
“Ironically, what Mike Tomlin would say, ‘We want volunteers, not hostages.’ This is a guy that’s disinterested in being an NFL quarterback, which is fine; he’s earned that right; he’s made hundreds of millions of dollars. It’s over. ‘We are drafting our next quarterback.'”
.@RealTannenbaum says it's "over" for Aaron Rodgers and that the Steelers should draft a QB 👀
"When a player is talking about being retired, they are." 😳 pic.twitter.com/sUymSPwMXx
— First Take (@FirstTake)
It remains to be seen whether or not Rodgers eventually plays in 2025. What’s clear, though, is that Tannenbaum won’t be holding his breath.
