Emotional Aaron Rodgers opens up on retirement decision as ‘blessed’ Mike Tomlin makes good on deal

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the NFL playoffs, meaning the career of Aaron Rodgers will be extended for at least one more game.

Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers this past offseason, with many expecting it to be the final year of his career.

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With the season on the line, Rodgers was crucial in the Steelers‘ 26-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens, in effect a playoff decider and dramatic victory gave them the AFC North title.

The veteran threw the go-ahead touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III with 55 seconds left.

The Steelers did get fortunate at the end, as Baltimore’s Tyler Loop missed a game-winning 44-yard field goal.

Pittsburgh will now host the Houston Texans in the opening round of the playoffs on January 13, and for now have eased some of the speculation around head coach Mike Tomlin.

Until then, the biggest question that lingers is whether Rodgers will call time on his career – and given Rodgers never gives too much away, whether he calls time on his career may also be up for debate.

The 42-year-old could hardly contain his feelings after the game, as he looks ahead to his first playoff appearance since 2021.

“It’s pretty emotional, honestly,” Rodgers told NBC post-game, with his voice cracking a bit as he spoke.

“It’s been a great year, so I’m thankful for these guys and excited to be going to the playoffs for the first time in a long while.”

Rodgers was then pressed on whether he will retire following this postseason.

“Does that mean that you’re riding off into the sunset after this?” NBC’s Melissa Stark asked.

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“No, I’m just, it’s been a grinding year,” Rodgers, who was 31 of 47 for 294 yards, explained.

“And the two years before that were tough as well. So it’s been an absolute blessing to be here with these fans and this organization and Mike [Tomlin] and the leadership that we’ve got with these guys.

“I think we found that little bit of something special, which is belief, tonight on the offensive side. And I’m proud of our guys with the way we responded in the fourth quarter.”

Head coach Tomlin was also full of praise for Rodgers, who has helped his team win their first division title in five years.

“I’ve admired him from afar for a long time. It was good to do it with him,” Tomlin said of Rodgers.

“As I’ve said multiple times here in recent weeks, this was the vision in the spring when we pursued him. That’s why you do business with a 41, 42-year-old guy.

“Been there, done that guy with a resume like his. He is not only capable, man, he thrives in it. I think he put that on display tonight.”

If Rodgers is to retire this season, it’s now confirmed that his career will end in the postseason.

His aim right now will be to lead the Steelers to their first playoff win in nearly a decade.

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