
Former Packers legend and current Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers stirred the pot this week with a surprising admission.
In a Tuesday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, he reaffirmed that the 2025 season will likely be his last in the NFL.
But what grabbed more attention was his bold registration of intent to disappear from the public eye thereafter.
Rodgers, 41, signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh earlier this month. He revealed on the show, “I don’t want the attention – I know that’s a narrative out there,” adding pointedly, “When this is all done, it’s Keyser Söze. You won’t see me. I won’t be in the public. I don’t want to live a public life.”
These remarks echo similar sentiments from other recent interviews, where Rodgers minced no words about his desire to withdraw entirely once he hangs up his cleats.
However, the timing and platform of these revelations have sparked eyebrows. Critics argue that if Rodgers truly wants to fade away, doing a taped June appearance on ESPN seems counterintuitive.
Public talks vs. private exit
Still, watching Rodgers is like catching a man at a crossroads. On one hand, he continues to engage with media, he maintains visibility such as his recent appearance in the Netflix documentary Aaron Rodgers: Enigma, guesting on Joe Rogan‘s podcast, and making selective public appearances during minicamp.
On the other hand, his repeated advice to “don’t look for me when I’m done” sounds serious.
A few details shed more light:
Rodgers reportedly backed out of more extensive broadcasting or development deals, no multi-year ESPN or studio contract, and opted for a one-year NFL contract, signalling a planned exit strategy.
He began the offseason nearly off-grid, sparingly communicating, aside from a single April appearance on McAfee to quell speculation about his future.
His announcement included concerns about privacy over his new marriage. During these public appearances, he’s been openly defensive, denouncing media interest in his private life as “sick” and “embarrassing,” and calling for what he deems basic decency.
Critics like foul-mouthed ESPN analyst Chris Canty have suggested Rodgers is still craving the spotlight.
Canty accused Rodgers‘ news drop as “incredibly selfish… you want the retirement tour. You want the adulation from the fans.”
Meanwhile, supporters claim Rodgers simply valued his connection with McAfee, a loyal friend and host with whom Rodgers has appeared with multiple times over the years, and who helped him through the Packers-Jets-Steelers transitions.
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