Aaron Rodgers to begin his 21st NFL season as the signal-caller for the Pittsburgh Steelers against former team, the New York Jets.
Aaron Rodgers' Heartfelt Reason Why He's Back for 21st NFL Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Aaron Rodgers is set to begin his 21st NFL season. After spending 18 years with the Green Bay Packers and two with the New York Jets, the 10-time Pro Bowler is now preparing to make his mark with a third franchise: the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rodgers is currently in training camp in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where the Steelers are getting to work under head coach Mike Tomlin. This will be Tomlin’s 19th season leading the team.
Speaking with NFL Network during Saturday’s practice, Rodgers opened up about what brought him back for another season.
"Really, everything special in my life is because of this game, and that's not hyperbole."
"Really, everything special in my life is because of this game, and that's not hyperbole."@AaronRodgers12 tells @KyleBrandt why he decided to come back for another season.
— NFL (@NFL) July 26, 2025
Back Together Weekend – Live on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/6dniULeosI
Rodgers has built a legendary career. He won Super Bowl XLV and earned MVP honors in that game. He’s a four-time NFL MVP on top of his 10 Pro Bowl appearances.
After two years in California, Rodgers was selected 24th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft. He waited three years behind Brett Favre before becoming the Packers’ full-time starter in 2008.
Following his departure from Green Bay, Rodgers’ time with the Jets was short-lived. He tore his Achilles tendon on his first drive in the 2023 season opener and missed the rest of the year. He returned in 2024, playing in all 17 games for New York. The Jets went 5-12 in those starts, with Rodgers throwing for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He now has 503 career touchdown passes and 116 interceptions.
This year, Rodgers is leading a new-look Steelers offense. The team added DK Metcalf from Seattle, who joins Calvin Austin III and Robert Woods as the projected starting receivers. Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek are expected to fill key depth roles.
Training camp has already generated headlines. On the first play of practice, Rodgers threw an interception. Later, Metcalf shared that Rodgers isn’t at camp to mess around, noting his leadership and serious tone.
The Steelers open their season against the Jets on Sunday, September 7, at MetLife Stadium, a fitting matchup as Rodgers faces his former team.
Related: Aaron Rodgers’ First Play at Steelers Camp Ends in Embarrassment
Related: Travis Kelce Breaks Silence on Retirement Decision Ahead of 2025 NFL Season
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
