At the age of 38, Aaron Rodgers’ continuation with the NFL has been a highly debated topic, especially after he recently signed a contract with his veteran team, the Green Bay Packers.
In March, the football legend signed a contract with the Packers until 2026, multiple media outlets confirmed. “We are very pleased to be able to come to an agreement with Aaron that keeps him in Green Bay,” general manager Brian Gutekunst stated when discussing the matter.
“His play on the field and leadership in our locker room remain vital in our pursuit of another Super Bowl title. The agreement also allows us to maintain and enhance what we feel is already a very competitive roster.”
However, this has prompted many to ask when Rodgers will be hanging up his Green Bay Jersey. For any athlete pushing 40, persisting with professional athletics seems questionable and retirement becomes increasingly more likely. In Rodgers’ case, he shared that this fact has certainly been apparent.
With thoughts of retirement circling, the quarterback admitted that putting his professional playing career to rest has been on his mind. “I think about it [retirement] all the time,” he admitted during an appearance on TNT during Capital One’s The Match last week. Discussing with host Ernie Johnson, he added, “When you commit, you’re 100 percent. But the older you get, the interests change, and the grind, I think, wears on you a little more.”
Rodgers has dedicated 18 seasons to the NFL since his initial draft in 2005. Over the years, his love for the sport is evident, but the natural progression of life has made him reconsider if staying in the league is what’s best for him.
“The football is the easy part,” he shared. “That’s the joy. It’s the other stuff that wears on you and makes you think about life after football.”
Aaron Rodgers discusses Tom Brady’s impact on the future of NFL players
Tom Brady’s presence in the NFL is a factor that can not go unavoided when discussing retirement. Known for his stamina and playing well past his physical prime, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback’s ability to still perform is widely recognized. While Rodgers celebrated Brady’s desire to continue his career, he explained that playing well into his 40s does not seem realistic for him.
“Tommy, obviously, set the bar so high with playing so many years,” he commented. “But I can definitely see the end coming.”
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