No matter how much fans and analysts have questioned Aaron Rodgers for stalling the Pittsburgh Steelers before finally saying yes, the veteran quarterback has given more than two decades of his life to football.

But that ends with this season.

"Yes. This is it," Rodgers said Wednesday, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

Aaron Rodgers returns for one final season with the Steelers, his 22nd year in the league. He signed a one-year, $15.01 million contract with the team.

The veteran quarterback's last season began as a "soul" decision and ended with Pittsburgh falling to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round, followed by former head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down after 19 years with the franchise.

"When he said he was stepping away, that was an emotional moment just because we all love him so much and care about him, and I thought that was probably it for me in Pittsburgh," Rodgers added. "But when the decision was made to hire Mike, I started opening my mind back up to coming back."

So, A-Rod comes back, calling it a "full-circle" moment to play under head coach Mike McCarthy. But the retirement news has already taken fans on an emotional ride.

Fans React to Aaron Rodgers' Retirement Announcement With Mixed Emotions

When ESPN reported Aaron Rodgers' retirement on X, fans quickly rallied with their responses on the same platform.

"I'm not ready for this," wrote one fan alongside a crying gif.

If this truly is Rodgers' final year, it comes with his former Green Bay Packers coach McCarthy by his side, and fans did not miss that detail.

"Aaron Rodgers going on a retirement tour with the coach he won a Super Bowl with is special," another fan said.

However, a few took a jab at his offseason habit of waiting until the last possible moment to make a decision.

"That's his third 'Last Ride,'" one fan chimed in.

And because the ten-time Pro Bowl quarterback had the best years of his career with the Packers, fans made sure to bring that up too.

"Aaron Rodgers era with the Packers: [Absolute cinema gif]," another wrote.

Given Rodgers' journey in the league, few expected him to be playing for Pittsburgh in his 40s.

"Aaron Rodgers going out in Pittsburgh was not on anyone's bingo card but if he can give the Steelers one more run, what a way to close the chapter. The career deserves a proper ending. 🏈" added another fan.

For Rodgers, the first meeting with McCarthy in Pittsburgh was a "pinch me" moment. But for the fans, this will be the last season they get to watch A-Rod flick his wrist.

What are your thoughts on Aaron Rodgers' retirement? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Shubhi Rathore

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore