Troy Aikman Says He Thinks Aaron Rodgers Has Played His Last NFL Game

Karl Rasmussen | 2 Hours Ago

Aaron Rodgers may have played his last NFL game during the Steelers’ wild-card round loss to the Texans. / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Steelers bowed out of the playoffs without much of a fight, losing a lackluster game to the Texans in the wild-card round, 30–6. The loss may have been the final chapter of Aaron Rodgers’s storied career, though that’s not yet been decided by the 42-year-old.

Troy Aikman, for one, seems to think Rodgers has played his last snaps in the NFL, and he said as much during the ESPN broadcast of Monday night’s game.

“Well, I think we are watching Aaron Rodgers’s last game,” Aikman said late into the fourth quarter. “Who knows what next year might bring? He might be willing to come in at some point if a team needs a quarterback. I doubt that will happen. I don’t imagine he’s gonna say he wants to come back and sign with the Steelers again or with another team.”

“I think we are watching Aaron Rodgers’ last game. ... He might be willing to come in at some point if a team needs a QB. I doubt that will happen. I don’t imagine he’s gonna say he wants to come back and sign with the Steelers again or with another team.”

–Troy Aikman pic.twitter.com/hjTfIWRW8c

— ESPN (@espn) January 13, 2026

Rodgers joined the Steelers in the offseason on a one-year deal, so he’ll be a free agent once again now that Pittsburgh’s been eliminated. There’s been plenty of speculation about his future in the league. The 2025 season was his 21st year in the NFL, and while it’s possible he returns for a 22nd go-around, Aikman doesn’t think it’s likely.

When asked about retirement postgame, Rodgers dodged the question and told reporters he wasn’t going to make an emotional decision. He’ll have plenty of time to mull things over before making a final call on his playing future.

---

More NFL on Sports Illustrated

feed