Pittsburgh Steelers Await Aaron Rodgers’ Decision for 2026 Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a bit of a holding pattern as they wait to hear from Aaron Rodgers regarding his plans for the 2026 NFL season. It’s a big question—will he step back onto the field, or is retirement finally on the horizon for the four-time MVP?
The Steelers, along with former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy, are being patient, as is one of their new additions, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. “I hope he’s close,” Pittman shared in a recent conversation connected to the upcoming NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
Pittman, who joined the Steelers following a trade from the Indianapolis Colts, seems to have a genuine curiosity about Rodgers’ return. He humorously remarked, “I don’t know anything. People think we know something. Why would Aaron tell me anything?”
Despite this uncertainty, Pittman isn’t too concerned for himself. His time in Indianapolis was filled with quarterback changes—he played under ten different starters, including big names like Philip Rivers and Matt Ryan. He chuckled at the chaos, recalling how in 2025 he even saw Rivers come back to help the team when the situation got dire.
While some of those quarterbacks may have Hall of Fame hopes, Rodgers, who will be 43 in December, still carries significant weight with the Steelers. “Aaron is a great player. Look at everything he’s done,” Pittman noted. “We want him back. At the end of the day, it’s his decision.”
Though Rodgers hasn’t joined the Steelers’ offseason program, he is reportedly training on his own to stay fit, just in case he decides to return. That said, NFL Network indicated that the communication has been quiet, leaving many guessing about what lies ahead.
In the meantime, another member of the Steelers, quarterback Will Howard, is anticipated to be the starter as McCarthy prepares for the season. For Pittman, the thrill of joining Pittsburgh—and experiencing the city’s passionate fan base—is palpable. “Being in Pittsburgh, you see everyone in sports gear—Steelers, Pirates, Penguins. There’s this incredible atmosphere,” he expressed. “It’s something crazy. I’m excited to be here and to play for them.”
Pittman also focuses on giving back, particularly in his new community. Recently, he worked with Toyota at an NFL Draft flag football training camp for high school girls, taking the opportunity to mentor and coach young players. Some of these participants will even get the chance to walk the red carpet at the NFL Draft, an experience Pittman knows well.
He emphasized the importance of supporting young female athletes, saying, “Our main message to these girls is to shine a spotlight on them. We want to advocate for them and let them know we’re here to support girls’ flag football and make it a more recognized sport.”
