Steelers Head Coach Gives Update On Aaron Rodgers' Return to the Team
Head Coach Mike McCarthy is aiming to calm the nerves of Pittsburgh Steelers fans with a subtle update on whether or not NFL veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return to the team for his 22nd season.
What’s the Update on Aaron Rodgers?
The newly minted coach says the conversation between him and Rodgers has been mostly lighthearted.
"Just like they always are, life, football, what's going on at the facility, McCarthy said, according to ESPN. "So he's really engaged with what's going on.”
“I would just say he's in a very positive space. We'll just continue to engage in conversations."
Mike McCarthy, who coached Aaron Rodgers with the Packers from 2006 to 2018, knows the quarterback well. The veteran coach said he thinks the 42-year-old Rodgers is "in a really good spot in his life," but is still a mortal man at 42.
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and McCarthy have both weighed in on their strategy should Rodgers opt to retire.
"I think like anything, people talk about having a plan," McCarthy explained. "I think you have to have a system of player acquisition. We do every position. So you got to be able to adjust. You got to be proactive with that thought process. ... There really aren't too many scenarios we haven't talked about."
Aaron Rodgers Praises Mike McCarthy
On The Pat McAfee Show last month, Rodgers was a guest and offered immense praise for McCarthy, highlighting his significance to the league.
McCarthy and what he means to the league.
“Mike’s one of the great guys in the league,” he said. “Just an absolutely exceptional human being with a huge heart. We had a lot of great years together, a lot of fun. He really cares about the players. But he also holds guys accountable and creates a lot of structure and details in the process.”
Rodgers admitted that there were times “you love him,” while other times, “you’re pissed at him,” but “there’s so much love for Mike and appreciation for the time we spent together.”
The 42-year-old football superstar also shut down any notion of his forthcoming career moves, saying, “Anybody on here who is expecting me to make a big decision, just shut off, turn it off now.”
In his January introductory press conference with the Steelers, McCarthy said he would love to coach Rodgers again.
“Definitely. I mean, I don’t see why you wouldn’t,”he stated. “I watched most of the Pittsburgh games on TV, and I thought he was a great asset for the team.”
In an interview on The Pat McAfee Show in June 2025, the Super Bowl champion indicated that the last season would be his final one, preceding these most recent updates.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it,” Rodgers said. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on it or anything. This was really about finishing with a lot of love, and fun, and peace for the career that I’ve had.”
He continued: “I mean, I’ve played 20 freaking years. It’s been a long run, and I’ve enjoyed it. What better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL? With Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership, and great guys, and a city that expects you to win.”
In 16 starts for the Steelers, Rodgers achieved 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He is two seasons away from surpassing Tom Brady's record for the most seasons played by an NFL quarterback.