With training camps heating up and the 2025 NFL season drawing closer, many eyes are on Pittsburgh following a surprising offseason move: Aaron Rodgers is now officially a Steeler. The veteran quarterback signed a one-year contract with the franchise, marking what will be his final season in the NFL.
The announcement signaled the end of a Hall of Fame-worthy career and the beginning of what many believe could be a historic run for the Steelers, sending shockwaves through the league.
Can Rodgers Steer Pittsburgh to a Winning Season in His Final Year?
Rodgers recently revealed that his one-year deal with the Steelers signals that his playing days are winding down.
“I’m pretty sure this is it,” Rodgers said. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal… What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with Mike Tomlin, great leadership, and a city that expects you to win.”
“This is going to be Mike Tomlin’s first losing season of his career for this reason right here: Aaron Rodgers making it about himself.”@Chris_Broussard reacts to AR addressing how much longer he’ll play: pic.twitter.com/Y3dnWRESYk
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) June 24, 2025
A future Hall of Famer finishing his career in Pittsburgh, surrounded by talented players and coached by one of the most consistent leaders in NFL history, seems like an ideal scenario to many fans. The team is energized. Rodgers appears motivated. There’s a buzz in Steelers Nation.
However, not everyone agrees with the fairytale ending.
Chris Broussard, a Fox Sports analyst, made a bold prediction that has drawn attention: Rodgers’ final season could spell disaster for Pittsburgh. Broussard even suggested Rodgers would be the reason for Mike Tomlin’s first losing season.
“This is going to be Mike Tomlin’s first losing season of his career,” Broussard said. “Because Aaron Rodgers is going to make it about himself. The story won’t be about the team, it’ll be about Rodgers’ farewell tour, and that’s going to override everything.”
Given that Tomlin hasn’t had a losing season in 18 years, a streak that has earned him significant respect across the league, that is a daring claim. Broussard wasn’t knocking Rodgers’ skills either. He went so far as to say Rodgers will probably outperform Justin Fields and Russell Wilson from last season.
In fact, he acknowledged that with Rodgers leading the team, the Steelers ought to be contenders. However, he believes talk around Rodgers’ retirement will divert attention from the team.
It is hoped Rodgers leaves the game on a positive note and adds one more spark to the Steel City. However, there is no room for error because the AFC is packed and expectations are mounting.
There’s no doubt many eyes will be on Pittsburgh, and Rodgers’ farewell may become one of the NFL’s most compelling storylines of the year.
