

Speculation ran wild on social media Thursday as images of Aaron Rodgers in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform – wearing the legendary No. 12 jersey – began circulating. While visually striking, the idea is far-fetched both in theory and practice.
For starters, No. 12 holds iconic status in Pittsburgh. Though never officially retired, it is effectively off-limits, as it belonged to Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw, the face of the Steelers‘ 1970s dynasty.
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The team hasn’t reassigned the number in decades – not because of policy, but out of tradition and respect.
And tradition matters in Pittsburgh. Rodgers suiting up in Bradshaw‘s number would not only raise eyebrows but likely require direct approval from the man himself. That seems unlikely, especially considering Bradshaw’s recent remarks.
“That guy needs to stay in California. Go somewhere and chew on bark and whisper to the gods out there,” Bradshaw said just last week, dismissing any talk of a Rodgers-to-Steelers scenario as “a joke.”
No. 8 makes more sense, if Rodgers ever lands in Pittsburgh
Beyond the symbolic weight of No. 12, Rodgers likely wouldn’t ask for it anyway. When he joined the New York Jets in 2023, legendary quarterback Joe Namath gave his blessing for Rodgers to wear the team’s retired No. 12. Rodgers declined, opting for No. 8 – the same number he wore at Cal.
This precedent shows Rodgers‘ respect for football legacies. If he wouldn’t take Namath’s number, it’s hard to imagine him wanting Bradshaw‘s. That makes the path forward much clearer: should he ever wear black and gold, No. 8 is his likeliest pick.
Currently, that jersey is worn by punter Corliss Waitman. But positional seniority and star power typically win out in these situations. If Rodgers wants No. 8 in Pittsburgh, he’ll get it.
Still, this assumes a move that remains completely speculative. Despite ongoing chatter linking Rodgers to the Steelers, there’s no concrete indication that such a trade or signing is in motion. The Jets remain his current home, and the Steelers‘ interest – if any – has been neither confirmed nor reported with substance.
Fans and creators continue to have fun envisioning Rodgers in different uniforms, and mockups like the one that trended Thursday are becoming common in the offseason swirl of NFL rumors. But the idea of Rodgers in a real Steelers uniform – let alone one bearing No. 12 – remains a long shot.
Unless the stars align unexpectedly, don’t expect to see Aaron Rodgers taking the field as Pittsburgh‘s next No. 12. For now, that number remains a symbol of the past, not a vision of the future.
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