Aaron Rodgers turned 42 in December 2025 but still guided the Pittsburgh Steelers to the AFC North title before their playoff exit. Now, with his 22nd NFL season confirmed as his last, the veteran quarterback is using every moment to forge bonds with his new teammates.
What happened?
On a mid-2026 outing in California, Rodgers posted on Instagram with six Steelers teammates under the caption “Last Rodeo. #bondingweek.” The group included DK Metcalf, Mason Rudolph, Pat Freiermuth, Ben Skowronek, Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. They rode horses, gathered around a campfire, went paddleboarding and wore full cowboy outfits to lean into the western theme.
Why it matters for Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers’ Instagram post landed just weeks after he agreed to a one-year, $22.5 million contract to return to Pittsburgh under new head coach Mike McCarthy. The two spent 13 seasons together in Green Bay, and McCarthy’s hiring re-opened Rodgers’ mind to playing one more year. “I thought that was probably it for me in Pittsburgh,” Rodgers told ESPN. “But when the decision was made to hire Mike, I started opening my mind back up to coming back.”
Rodgers capped 2025 with 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading the Steelers to the division title. Pittsburgh’s season ended with a wild-card loss to the Houston Texans, but Rodgers still completed 65.7% of his passes, averaged 6.7 yards per attempt and threw for 207.6 yards per game—numbers that suggest he can still pilot a playoff-caliber offense.
What comes next?
Rodgers will turn 43 in December 2026, meaning he’ll reach that age before the regular season ends in early January 2027. Behind him, the backup quarterback competition features Mason Rudolph and second-year player Will Howard. All eyes will be on Mike McCarthy to manage the room while Rodgers makes his final push for a postseason run.
The Steelers’ veteran leader is treating every practice snap, team meal and off-field moment as part of his “Last Rodeo.” The California bonding trip was the latest sign that Rodgers is all in for one more ride.