The Packers and Aaron Rodgers? Yeah, that story didn’t end in a fairytale. The breakup back in 2023 was more cold shoulder than warm farewell. Rodgers was deep into his MVP bag when the Packers decided to look elsewhere, drafting Jordan Love in 2020 and sending a not-so-subtle message. What followed? An ugly dance of ultimatums, missed calls, and front-office finger-pointing. “Fire the GM or trade me,” was the reported ask from Rodgers’ camp.
The Packers never really blinked. Instead, they handed Rodgers a hefty extension… and then still questioned his “commitment.” He skipped voluntary OTAs, which ruffled feathers. Then came the infamous darkness retreat, the botched California meetup with GM Brian Gutekunst, and Rodgers’ signal issues becoming an actual plot point. “You’re gonna say you couldn’t get a hold of arguably the best player in your franchise history?” he told The Athletic. “Like, c’mon man. Just tell the truth—you wanted to move on.” And eventually, Green Bay did.
Fast-forward to today: Rodgers is a free agent, flirting with the Steelers, and enjoying some mic time with rapper Mike Stud in Austin. But then, a fan tossed him a nostalgic curveball: “Would you retire as a Packer if the opportunity came?” Just like many of us, the fan just wanted to know if he’s still a Packer at heart after all the drama that unfolded. Rodgers didn’t dodge it. “I’ve thought about that,” he said. “I grew up a Niner fan… most of my favorite players retired as a Niner. Jerry Rice went to three other teams… came back and retired as a Niner. So I understand the cool thing about it.”
That said, Rodgers made it clear his legacy in Green Bay is already secure, jersey retirement or not. “Whether they do or not, that’s fine,” he said. “But in four years, I’ll be in the Packer Hall of Fame. I’ll come back. Part of the crazy. And there’s a lot of love from me and how I feel about the team.” You can almost hear Lambeau echoing.
Still, he left the door cracked open. “If I do or if I don’t, I don’t think it should make a difference,” Rodgers said. “I’m not sure yet. If they approach me about it, I probably would.” That’s as noncommittal as it is honest. A man with one foot in Canton and another testing new ground in Pittsburgh, still rooted in green and gold. And about those roots—Rodgers couldn’t help but remind folks why he meant so much to the Packers faithful… and why he still lives rent-free in the Bears fans’ minds. After all, he’s owned ’em like no other QB dared.
Aaron Rodgers’ teasing, yet again!
Remember that time in 2021 when Aaron Rodgers broke Bears fans’ souls—again—with a single line? “I still own you!” he shouted after a touchdown at Soldier Field. Cold, calculated, classic Rodgers. And, honestly, with a record like 24–5 against Chicago, was he lying? The guy practically paid rent there. That moment wasn’t just trash talk—it was trademarked. Fast forward to now, and here comes Rodgers again, throwing shade with a smile. Only this time, he’s not suiting up. Not yet.
During a fan Q&A with rapper Mike, Rodgers got tossed a softball: “Would you ever play for the Bears?” His response? “No!” Pause for effect. Then came the wink disguised as a dig. “But, I believe, there’s a team that might play in Chicago this year.” He let it hang before twisting the knife: “I love Chicago, though. Way more than they can love me. It’s been a great relationship. All one way.” How do you not hear Steelers echoes in that? Pittsburgh visits Chicago in Week 12. Coincidence? Or calculated chaos?
Now, if you’re wondering why Steelers fans are suddenly pulling out the old 2021 receipts, here’s your reason. Back then, Rodgers swirled around Pittsburgh like it was prom season. Called Mike Tomlin one of his favorites. Dropped compliments about the city, even mentioned their sandwich scene. That’s not quarterback speak. That’s a guy who circled a place on his mental map. And with Rodgers now a free agent, no longer tethered to New York’s slow-burn drama, the whispers feel louder.
Back then, the Steelers still had Big Ben. Some fans felt entertaining Rodgers rumors while Roethlisberger was still slinging it was flat-out disrespect. Writers like Anthony Defeo even said it crossed a line. But things have changed. There’s no more Ben, no franchise face locked in. That door Rodgers once leaned on? It’s wide open now.
So yeah—Rodgers might just be trolling. He loves the camera, the pause, the misdirection. But this time, it feels different. Less smoke, more fire. And with Tomlin running out of patience, the chessboard’s set. It’s on Rodgers now to make his next move.
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