Aaron Rodgers, the future Hall of Fame quarterback, officially signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers for what he says will be his final NFL season. The 41-year-old veteran, who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers and most recently played for the New York Jets, chose Pittsburgh to close out his career this year.

After 18 seasons in Green Bay, where Rodgers won four NFL MVP awards and a Super Bowl, his brief time with the Jets was challenging. His move to the Steelers provides Pittsburgh with an experienced leader at quarterback, while fans in Cleveland can relax knowing Rodgers won’t remain in the AFC North beyond 2025.

Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it,

Rodgers said during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

That’s why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything, so this was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had.

—Aaron Rodgers

I played 20 fricking years. It’s been the long run. I’ve enjoyed it, and no 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 in the city that expects you to win.

—Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers Aims to Give His All in Pittsburgh

Rodgers’ tenure with the New York Jets was hampered by injury and team struggles. In his first year, Rodgers ruptured his Achilles tendon on opening night, ending his season without completing any passes. The subsequent season saw the Jets finish 5-12, miss the playoffs, and part ways with head coach Robert Saleh. Rodgers completed 63% of his passes for 3,897 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions during that season, but the results fell short of expectations.

Despite the recent setbacks, Rodgers emphasized that those experiences did not push him to retire prematurely. Instead, his motivation remains firmly rooted in his love for football and competing at a high level.

It’s not really ‘[I] can’t go out like this,’

Rodgers explained.

I love the game, and there’s been a beautiful relationship. It was my first love when I was 6 years old, dreaming about playing quarterback and being in the Super Bowl and winning in the Super Bowl. … I wanted to be there for minicamp once I decided I was going to be all-in, but I didn’t need this. I didn’t need it at all.

—Aaron Rodgers

I’m going to give the Steelers everything that I got and empty the tank and be super comfortable and satisfied with whatever happens.

—Aaron Rodgers

Cleveland Browns Concentrate on Their Own Quarterback Race

The Cleveland Browns are currently focused on resolving their own quarterback situation as the 2024 training camp approaches. Their depth chart remains undecided, with a competition featuring veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett alongside rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.

General manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski have called for patience in the evaluation process, refraining from naming a starter or ranking the quarterbacks on the roster. This cautious approach reflects Cleveland’s intent to thoroughly assess their options before making decisions.

The Browns and Steelers are scheduled to face each other on October 12, marking the first divisional meeting of the season.