Aaron Rodgers chooses six Steelers teammates for ‘last rodeo’ and shot at rare history with four NFL icons

Aaron Rodgers is embracing the final year of his NFL career.

While some critics continue to insist that Rodgers if faking his planned retirement, one of the greatest quarterbacks in league history is playing the part on the verge of training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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The normally low-key Rodgers posted a series of upbeat photos on his personal Instagram account, including one in which he was pictured riding a horse and wearing a cowboy hat.

“Last Rodeo. #bondingweek,” Rodgers wrote.

Steelers teammates DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Ben Skowronek, Roman Wilson, Mason Rudolph and Pat Freiermuth made the cut, which saw the players hanging out together in a field, riding horses and sitting around a fire.

As fans tried to figure out where the pictures were taken — “Looks like the (Grand) Tetons in the background?” one fan posted — others joked that Rodgers needed to learn how to post sharper images before he plays his final NFL game.

“Is it still blurry? #clarity,” Rodgers posted when the main photo was sent a second time.

The 42-year-old Rodgers spent another offseason debating whether he would retire.

After again making the Steelers wait for an extended period, he confirmed that he would be playing for Pittsburgh in 2026 — and that it would be his final NFL season.

“This is it,” said Rodgers, who acknowledged being affected by Mike Tomlin‘s decision to step down as the Steelers’ head coach.

This year, Rodgers will reunite with Mike McCarthy, his former coach with the Green Bay Packers.

“I love Mike T. I really appreciate the opportunity to come in last year and love my experience with him,” Rodgers said.

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“I thought when he said he was stepping away, that was an emotional moment just because we all love him so much and care about him. I thought that was probably it for me in Pittsburgh. But when the decision was made to hire Mike (McCarthy), I started to open my mind back up to coming back.”

Two months later, Rodgers is prepping for his ‘last rodeo’ by bonding with his teammates and building chemistry within the Steelers’ offense.

“Steelers are lucky to have you!” one fan posted. “I love watching you throw the ball. Glad (the) Steelers put more talent around you.”

Pittsburgh’s players are set to report for training camp on July 28.

It will be the 59th year that Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania will be the Steelers’ summer football home.

The first open practice viewed by the public will be on July 29, while the first padded practice is scheduled for August 3.

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Rodgers is a 10-time Pro Bowler with four NFL MVP awards and one Super Bowl championship.

He had a solid but unspectacular 2025 season, completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns, while Pittsburgh finished 10-7 and won the AFC North.

Rodgers’ limitations were seen in a 30-6 AFC Wild Card home loss to the Houston Texans.

But the 22-year veteran can eclipse 70,000 career passing yards this season if he throws for 3,726 yards with the Steelers in 2026.

Only Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and ex-Packers teammate Brett Favre have thrown for more yards than Rodgers in NFL history.

The Steelers open their 2026 season with a Week 1 contest at home vs the Atlanta Falcons.