Aaron Rodgers: "Zero debate" about this being my final season - NBC Sports

What the report says

NBCSports.com reported that Aaron Rodgers again made clear that the 2026 NFL season will be his last, saying there is “zero debate” about retirement after this year. The comments came July 28 during Steelers training camp, a few months after Rodgers signed with Pittsburgh in May and said at the time that the upcoming season would be his farewell as a player.

The renewed question arose after Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf suggested to reporters that players sometimes make preseason declarations that can change if a season goes well. Metcalf said he could imagine circumstances in which Rodgers might want to return for another run. When Rodgers later addressed reporters, according to NBCSports.com’s account citing ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, he rejected that possibility directly.

Rodgers also said he had considered 2025 as a possible endpoint, but the arrival of Mike McCarthy as Pittsburgh’s head coach influenced him to continue. He added that this training camp has not felt as emotional as he expected, describing himself as glad to be back with teammates and noting a stronger bond with several players who joined him on a trip during the offseason.

The decision matters because Rodgers is one of the NFL’s most prominent quarterbacks and is entering what would be his 22nd season. NBCSports.com noted that if Pittsburgh performs well, questions about a change of heart are likely to continue, but Rodgers’ latest answer left little indication that he is considering playing in 2027.