Aaron Rodgers threatens retirement: no answer to Steelers, waiting for Vikings, trashing Jets
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers made his first public comments since being released by the New York Jets, and he said a lot without really saying anything.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers joined “The Pat McAfee Show” last week to make his first public comments since the New York Jets released him. He spent much of the interview bashing the Jets, and then answered approximately nothing about his future in the NFL. He did talk about dolphins though.
The Pittsburgh Steelers: "So, are you retiring or what? We have Shedeur in on a visit and it sounds like he's going to fall to us..."
— Scott Barrett (@ScottBarrettDFB) April 17, 2025
Aaron Rodgers: pic.twitter.com/guEbNFClda
Here were the key takeaways:
- Rodgers confirmed he’s talked to multiple teams, including the Minnesota Vikings.
- He denied Ben Roethlisberger’s (and many others’) theory that he’s holding out specifically for the Vikings.
- His connection to Minnesota stems from a long-standing connection with the Vikings’ coach, Kevin O’Connell.
- Still no firm answer on whether he’s returning to the NFL, signing with the Steelers or Vikings, or just retiring.
And that’s pretty much it.
Aaron Rodgers’ latest comments raise new questions
Rodgers on the Jets
Jets coach Aaron Glenn cut Rodgers just minutes into their first meeting. Rodgers called the move disrespectful.
“I wasn’t surprised that they wanted to move on, but like, why would you not pick my brain? And I’m there to like, talk to you about the team and about things that I think can get better and things that are good and and players that have leadership possibilities and anything. I mean, I’ve been in the league 20 years in any type of conversation,” said Rodgers.
“When I left, I was just thinking, hey, that’s the closing of that chapter. There’s so many beautiful things about the two years that I had there,” he went on. “Obviously most of them off the field, but no, I wasn’t upset about it. I was surprised - I felt like there wasn’t an ample amount of respect in that meeting.”
Rodgers on retirement
“Retirement still could be could be a possibility,” said Rodgers. “But right now my focus is, 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 have been had and, so it’s all been very honest lines, communication. I’ve really appreciated the time I talked to to the various teams.”
Rodgers on the Vikings
The Vikings have indicated that they’re going with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but they haven’t signed a veteran and likely won’t do so until after the NFL Draft. There were indeed many who theorized that Rodgers could be waiting until then to make a decision about his future, with the hopes that the Vikings might change their minds and make him an offer. Rodgers denied that claim, saying that the discussions with the team came from his relationship with O’Connell.
“I’ve known Kevin forever. I’ve known Kevin O’Connell since we used to work out at Fitness Quest 10, I think it was called, in San Diego County,” Rodgers said. “I’ve known him for 17, 18 years, and we’ve got a good friendship. So we talk outside of just this offseason, we keep in touch during the season. So we’ve had good communication.”
Other than that, Rodgers did not say anything more about the Vikings.
Rodgers on the Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers still have a serious need for a quarterback and have expressed their interest in signing Rodgers. The ball seems to be in his court at this point, but he’s made no move thus far, and didn’t say much more in his interview either.
“I’ve talked to Mike Tomlin,” said Rodgers. “He’s more than I even thought from afar, as far as the type of person he is. I have a lot of respect for what he’s accomplished in the league.”
“I think the Steelers should strongly consider drafting a quarterback in the first round, and I think they should move on from Aaron Rodgers.”@RossTuckerNFL explains why:@LabattUSA #ad MSG 21 pic.twitter.com/3xe4nMvZTJ
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) April 21, 2025
Still, Rodgers has not signed with the Steelers. And he’s given us no new indication of whether or not he will, or if he’ll hold out for the Vikings, or if he’ll retire. Essentially, he cleared up exactly nothing with this interview.
According to Rodgers, personal reasons have kept him from making a decision as of yet.
“I wasn’t stringing anyone along. I wasn’t holding anyone hostage,” Rodgers said. “I was honest from the jump about where I was at mentally and some of the constraints I have in my life right now that warrant my attention. I’m open to anything and attached to nothing.”
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