Aaron Rodgers Returns to Steelers for 21st NFL Season

Aaron Rodgers has officially joined the Pittsburgh Steelers for his 21st NFL season, signing a one-year contract worth $13.6 million with incentives that could increase the total to $19.5 million. Rodgers emphasized that his decision to continue playing was not driven by ego or to prove anything to others, but was a choice made for his soul, influenced strongly by his personal life improvements and his respect for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. He praised the Steelers franchise and the city of Pittsburgh, highlighting the area's rich quarterback history and the meaningful conversations he had with Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan throughout the process. Rodgers expressed a desire to serve as a leader and mentor to younger players on the team, eager to share his two decades of experience and to help the team develop. The Steelers view Rodgers' arrival as a positive business move and a stabilizing presence at quarterback following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. Rodgers will begin the season facing his former team, the New York Jets, adding an intriguing storyline to the Steelers' schedule.