PITTSBURGH (AP) — Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers deliberated extensively before committing to return for his 22nd NFL campaign. The Pittsburgh Steelers signal-caller has already reached a decision regarding a potential 23rd season: it will not happen.
“This is it,” Rodgers declared Wednesday when the four-time NFL MVP was questioned about whether this upcoming year would mark his retirement.
The 42-year-old veteran chose not to elaborate on his reasoning behind this decision during his initial public statements since inking a one-year contract to rejoin the Steelers on Monday.
Instead, Rodgers is focusing on the current moment, particularly his partnership with first-year Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy. The pair collaborated for 13 seasons in Green Bay during earlier portions of their careers, with Rodgers identifying McCarthy’s appointment as Mike Tomlin’s successor as a significant influence in his choice to return for one final campaign.
“It is like a (bunch of) ‘pinch me’ moments that have happened in the last few days,” he commented after Pittsburgh’s second day of voluntary organized team activities.
McCarthy and Rodgers captured a Super Bowl championship together in Green Bay following the 2010 season, and they maintained regular communication throughout the winter and spring months while Rodgers considered whether he wanted to endure the physical demands of a 17-game schedule.
Rodgers eventually decided affirmatively, seeking the most uncommon of career conclusions: one he can control according to his own preferences.
