In a recent Zoom call with reporters, Aaron Rodgers made it clear that he intends to retire as a member of the Green Bay Packers, the team that drafted him. This announcement comes ahead of the Packers' upcoming matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night. Rodgers expressed his deep connection to the franchise, stating that his number 12 will eventually be retired, marking him as the seventh player in Packers history to receive this honor.
Reflecting on his 18-year tenure with the Packers, Rodgers stated, “Regardless of when I hang it up, that’s the bulk of my career. I’ll retire a Packer and see what happens after that.” His love for the organization is palpable, as he reminisced about the incredible experiences and friendships he formed during his time in Green Bay. “Damn near everything great in my life is because of my football career, and my football career starts and will end one day with Green Bay,” he remarked.
Rodgers has shared that he is “pretty sure” that 2025 will be his final season in the NFL. If he retires after this season, he would likely enter the Packers Hall of Fame four years later and achieve induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame five years after that. Importantly, he must be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame before his number is officially retired. Since his trade in 2023, no player has donned the number 12 jersey, ensuring that it will remain a symbol of his legacy alongside Brett Favre's number 4.
At 41 years old, Rodgers is the oldest player in the league, currently in his 21st season. His performance this season has been impressive, with 14 touchdowns against only five interceptions over six games. Teammate Keisean Nixon noted, “It’s his arm. It’s not really nothing else, just brain and arm, so he ain’t losing that,” emphasizing that Rodgers’ skill remains sharp as he continues to compete.
Although Rodgers will be facing his former team on Sunday, he fondly recalled memories from his time in Green Bay. He shared lighthearted anecdotes about his experiences with fellow teammates, including David Bakhtiari and former coach Mike McCarthy. “We were always messing around, having a good time,” said Rodgers, reminiscing about the camaraderie shared among the team.
As the Packers prepare to face the Steelers, Rodgers expressed his desire for a jersey swap with current Packers quarterback Jordan Love, whom he mentored for three seasons. Love has described the upcoming game as just another match, focusing on the Steelers' defense. However, Rodgers acknowledged the special significance of the game, stating, “It’s one of 17, for sure. Obviously, the 18 years I played there, it’s a little more special than the other ones.”
Rodgers conveyed that while the game is important, what truly matters are the relationships he formed during his years in Green Bay. He expressed excitement to reconnect with former colleagues, saying, “Most of the guys that have reached out this week and that I know really well are not on the team. It’s the training staff, it’s Adam in nutrition and Evan the photographer.” He looks forward to catching up with his old friends and teammates, reinforcing the emotional ties that will always connect him to the Packers.
