Mike Florio surprised by Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers’ ‘out of character’ retirement announcement

Recently, it was announced that quarterback Aaron Rodgers would be back with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the upcoming 2026 season, signing a one-year deal. Rodgers also has since announced that this season will be the last of his Hall of Fame career in the NFL.

Now, NFL insider Mike Florio of NBC Sports Pro Football Talk has expressed surprise and a bit of skepticism over the retirement announcement.

“I believe that he believes it when he says it. 2027 is a different year. We don’t know how he’ll feel based upon how things go this year… that sets up a farewell tour. It’s going to be all about Aaron Rodgers everywhere the Steelers go… he could have left things vague, and he usually does leave things vague. That’s what’s out of character for him. He’s given up certainty. It is going to be his last year,” said Florio, per ProFootballTalk on X, formerly Twitter.

Indeed, Rodgers has been known to be intentionally cryptic with his comments in the past in an effort to appear mysterious, but it appears this time around, he wants fans to know that each city he plays in, it will be his last time taking the field in that stadium. Perhaps Rodgers is hoping for a Kobe Bryant-esque farewell tour, as Florio referenced, or perhaps he just didn’t want the looming possibility of another free agency saga to be hovering over the team throughout this season.

Whatever the truth is, the Steelers will try their best to focus on the upcoming 2026 season only, as they look to bounce back from last year’s ugly playoff defeat against the Houston Texans.

The Steelers will kick off their new season in early September against the Atlanta Falcons.

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