Aaron Rodgers returns to the Pittsburgh Steelers for his 22nd and final season of a legendary, Hall of Fame career. The future Hall of Famer reunites with Mike McCarthy, his head coach for 13 seasons in Green Bay, a partnership that produced a Super Bowl victory and two of Rodgers’ four MVP awards.
Last Season’s Foundation
In 2025, Rodgers guided Pittsburgh to the postseason, securing the AFC North title with a 10–6 record. He completed 65.7% of his passes for 24 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. That playoff berth sets the stage for a new era in Pittsburgh—one that begins without Mike Tomlin, who never posted a losing record in 19 seasons as head coach.
“Aaron Rodgers gets ‘attacked’ by Cameron Heyward and Steelers veteran on the sidelines”
The schedule opens with a home contest against the Atlanta Falcons, where Cooper Rush is expected to start at quarterback. The Steelers then travel to face the New England Patriots before returning home to host the Cincinnati Bengals.
“Aaron Rodgers Matches Tom Brady’s Longevity Milestone”
As he begins his farewell campaign, Rodgers joins Tom Brady as the only quarterbacks since 1950 to start a Week 1 game at age 42 or older. Brady ultimately played until 45, capturing a Super Bowl ring at 43 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020.
Chasing History Against All 32 Franchises
Rodgers has one final opportunity to enter an exclusive circle. Only Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Brett Favre have defeated all 32 current NFL franchises. Legends such as Joe Montana and Fran Tarkenton belong in the conversation, but they never had the chance to face every modern team—though each recorded at least one win against every franchise active during their respective eras.
The Clock Is Ticking
Turning 43 during the 2026 season, Rodgers has not eclipsed 4,000 passing yards or 30 touchdowns in a single year since 2021. External pressure to deliver immediately will be intense: the Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016 and carry a franchise-record streak of seven consecutive postseason losses.
With a restructured roster, a reunion with his former Green Bay play-caller, and a ticking clock on his professional journey, the stage is set for a dramatic final chapter in the Steel City.
