Could Aaron Rodgers be planning the most dramatic free agency announcement in NFL history? That’s the buzz surrounding the four-time MVP as rumors swirl that he might reveal his next move — signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers or retiring — live during an upcoming event in the Steel City.
At the center of it all is Pat McAfee, who teased the possibility on his March 28 podcast. With his show set to go live in Pittsburgh on April 9 during a sold-out event called “Big Night AHT,” speculation is heating up that Rodgers could make a surprise appearance — and potentially drop a bombshell announcement.
Pat McAfee Responds to Wild Aaron Rodgers Rumor
With McAfee taking his show on the road for the special event, speculation started bubbling that Rodgers could use the spotlight to announce he’s joining the Steelers live in front of a crowd of Yinzers. The dramatic, headline-grabbing move feels like something straight out of Rodgers’ playbook.
McAfee, a Pittsburgh-area native and friend of the four-time NFL MVP, laughed off the idea but didn’t completely dismiss it.
“That’s crazy. It’s hilarious to think about,” McAfee said on his March 28 show. “I do appreciate that people think that is possible.”
When is Aaron Rodgers deciding @OfficialAJHawk
😂😂 #PMSLive https://t.co/jI1SgERQ0u pic.twitter.com/GTYc0gi1yS
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 28, 2025
Rodgers became a regular guest on “The Pat McAfee Show” in 2020 and has made numerous weekly appearances since.
In 2023, Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reported that Rodgers receives more than seven figures per year to come on the show. McAfee confirmed to Marchand that Rodgers “has made over $1 million with us, for sure.”
Rodgers to the Steelers? All Eyes on April 9 as McAfee Show Fuels the Hype
The Steelers have been linked to Rodgers since before his expected release by the New York Jets in February. In March, he visited Pittsburgh’s facility, fueling rumors that a deal was imminent. But weeks later, Rodgers remains unsigned and oddly quiet — adding even more intrigue to McAfee’s upcoming live show in Steelers Country.
Could Rodgers really be holding out to make a WWE-style announcement in front of a packed Pittsburgh crowd? McAfee isn’t saying yes, but he’s certainly not saying no either — and that’s enough to keep NFL fans on the edge of their seats.
Rodgers, spotted in throwing sessions with potential new teammate DK Metcalf over the weekend, remains a free agent. The Steelers have been tied to him for months and are viewed as a likely landing spot — if Rodgers decides to keep playing. Whether he signs in Pittsburgh or walks away from football, all eyes are now on April 9.