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Aaron Rodgers sheds light on mystery girlfriend influencing decision on NFL future - The Mirror US


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The Mirror US

Aaron Rodgers sheds light on mystery girlfriend influencing decision on NFL future

Aaron Rodgers is focusing on his personal life before making a decision over his NFL future, after announcing a new girlfriend before refusing to rule out retirement

When opening up about his NFL future during an appearance on 'The Pat McAfee Show' on Thursday, Aaron Rodgers revealed that he's in a "serious relationship" after admitting he's entered a new chapter in his life.


Rodgers, 41, is currently a free agent after parting ways with the New York Jets, but did visit the Pittsburgh Steelers' facility on March 21. It's been reported that Rodgers is only interested in joining a Super Bowl contender and isn't prepared to play for the sake of it, with the four-time MVP refusing to rule out retirement.

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The New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks had Rodgers on their radar, but have since moved on to other options in Russell Wilson and Sam Darnold, respectively. However, Rodgers denied claims that he's dragging out the process with Pittsburgh, instead offering a rare look into his personal life while insisting that he's been transparent with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

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"I'll set it all straight. From the jump, I'm in a different phase of my life, I'm 41 years old, I'm in a serious relationship, I have personal commitments I've made... and people in my inner circle battling difficult stuff," Rodgers said on 'The Pat McAfee Show,' "To make a commitment to a team is a big thing."

Rodgers proceeded to explain that his NFL future won't be decided by finances, but wants to feel 100 percent confident that he's making the right decision before signing with another team. "I told every single one of the teams, it ain't about the money," Rodgers added.

"I said I'll play for $10 million. Whatever. I'm open to anything and attached to nothing. Retirement could still be a possibility. Focus on personal life."


Rodgers then confirmed that joining the Steelers is very much a possibility, but he is putting himself first. Rodgers has told Pittsburgh that they're free to pursue other options if they aren't prepared to wait it out, as the quarterback is refusing to set a deadline.

"This entire time, I haven't felt like I owed anybody a decision at any point," Rodgers explained. "I've said listen, if you need to move on and do something, love and respect. But there's been no deadline. I've talked to Mike T [Tomlin] many times."


While Rodgers has months to make his decision, most organizations look to get their business done ahead of the NFL Draft so that they can make a comprehensive plan for each pick. The 2025 NFL Draft takes place from April 24-26, and Rodgers' honest admission suggests that he won't make a decision within the next week.

Should Rodgers sign with a new team, he wouldn't have to report until mid-July, when training camps begin to take place. However, the Steelers are currently entering the new season with Mason Rudolph at quarterback after they re-signed him to a two-year, $8 million deal after releasing him in 2023.

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The Steelers had Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as their quarterbacks last season but opted not to retain either quarterback during the offseason. Both QBs will play at MetLife Stadium next season, after Wilson signed for the Giants while Fields put pen to paper with the Jets, replacing Rodgers.

Rodgers is still seen as an elite quarterback, but his stock has taken a hit in recent years due to a number of factors. Firstly, he's now 41 and no longer has anything to prove in the league. Secondly, his two-year stint at the Jets was a disaster, as he missed his first season through injury and went 5-12 last season.

The Jets and Rodgers were fully invested in the project together, with the hopes of ending a brutal 14-year playoff drought, the longest active streak in all four major professional sports leagues in the United States. At this stage in his career, Rodgers won't want to take any risks.

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