The Aaron Rodgers retirement saga has been going on ever since his tenure with the Green Bay Packers came to an end two and a half years ago. Every year, without fail, debates about Rodgers ending his storied career have made the rounds over the summer. But each time, he’s chosen to come back to the gridiron. This summer, after a disastrous run with the New York Jets, the rumors were back in full force.
And when the four-time MVP hadn’t signed with a team even after the 2025 NFL Draft, the rumors, if anything, got stronger. However, throughout the process, the Pittsburgh Steelers held steadfast in their belief that they would get their guy. Eventually, just days ahead of mandatory minicamp, the news became official. Now, with the start of the preseason less than a week away, Rodgers sat down to reveal the exact reason for returning for one final run.
What Makes the 2025 Season Special for Aaron Rodgers?
One of the greatest quarterbacks to ever step foot in the NFL, Rodgers’ legacy is set in stone. Four MVPs, countless historic numbers and records, a Super Bowl title, and one of the most polarizing personalities, Rodgers is a genuine all-time great.
However, the last few years of his career have been marred by subpar performances and off-court drama. His final year with the Packers was a mess throughout, with the writing on the wall about his exit clear to the entire league.
Unfortunately, his foray with the Jets wasn’t a wholly positive experience either. After missing basically the entire 2023 campaign, he finally got to start in 2024. After promising multiple Super Bowls to the organization and the fanbase, he led them to five total wins.
As a result, his star was waning by the second, making retirement seem even more likely than before. However, with the Steelers in desperate need of breaking their near-decade-long playoff losing streak, the former Super Bowl champion answered the call.
Why? That was an exclusive answer from the legendary signal-caller while talking to Kyle Brandt for the Back Together Weekend program on the NFL Network. “I fell in love with this game when I was six years old. So, I wanted to have that closure and give back to the game one more time, the way that it’s given to me.”
His love for the sport shone through with every word that he spoke. “As I thought about my life, really, everything special in my life is because of this game, and that’s not hyperbole.”
“Really, everything special in my life is because of this game, and that’s not hyperbole.”@AaronRodgers12 tells @KyleBrandt why he decided to come back for another season.
Back Together Weekend – Live on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/6dniULeosI— NFL (@NFL) July 26, 2025
From his friendships and relationships to the wealth and stature he’s accumulated, Rodgers credited it all to football. At the end of the day, it was one simple statement that defined why one of the most accomplished players in the history of the sport wanted another swansong.
It’s the same reason his rival and friend, Tom Brady, couldn’t stay retired for too long. It’s the same reason why countless players, even while risking brutal life-changing injury, continue to come back to it. “I love this game.”
