Very few NFL quarterbacks have continued to play at a high level into their 40s. Aaron Rodgers tried to add his name to that list last year but had mixed results. Rodgers clearly wasn’t the same player that he used to be. However, there were moments where he turned back the clock. Rodgers is a pending free agent, and he could retire. Brett Favre, Rodgers’ former teammate and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, doesn’t think the four-time MVP should call it quits yet, though.
“Aaron still can play,” Favre said Monday on his podcast. “It’s a matter of whether he wants to play and will someone take a chance on him. I think if he really wants to play, someone will take a chance on him. Maybe Pittsburgh. The relationship with he and [Mike] McCarthy certainly is intriguing.”
Favre and Rodgers have a well-documented history. Rodgers was drafted to replace Favre as the Green Bay Packers’ quarterback, and they had a rocky relationship as a result.
However, Favre is also on the short list of quarterbacks who played well after turning 40. Rodgers’ career almost mirrored Favre’s. After a failed stint with the New York Jets, Favre got one last shot at playing in the NFL, this time with the Minnesota Vikings. They took a chance on Favre, and he delivered, almost taking them to the Super Bowl.
As a result, the Vikings brought Favre back for a second year. He looked like he had some gas left in the tank. Now, Favre seems to see something similar in Rodgers.
Unfortunately, Favre didn’t experience a storybook ending in Minnesota. His second year there might serve as a cautionary tale for the Steelers. Favre started 13 games in his final NFL season, throwing for 2,509 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions. While he played well the season before, Father Time caught him in his second Vikings season.
Something similar could happen with Rodgers, especially since he had moments in 2025 where his age showed. He flirted with retirement last year, too. Rodgers could finally decide to call it a career.
However, as Favre mentions, the Steelers hiring McCarthy as their new head coach could compel Rodgers to put retirement on hold. McCarthy stated that he’d be happy to have Rodgers back on the Steelers and that he’s talked to the four-time NFL MVP several times. If Rodgers returns in 2026, it feels likely that it will be with the Steelers.
It feels like the ball is in Rodgers’ court. If he wants to return, Pittsburgh seems willing to take a chance on him. While there’s risk involved with re-signing him, the Steelers might not have many better options.
