Aaron Rodgers Doesn't Rule Out Retirement After Season, Says Decision Will Be Quick
Don't expect Aaron Rodgers to take too much time deciding on where or if he plays next season.
Take it from the Packers quarterback himself, who offered a glimpse into his future on Wednesday, via the New York Post's Ryan Glasspiegel.
“I’m just savoring this year as much as anything,” Rodgers said. “It won’t be something where I’ll drag it out for months and months. I’ll have conversations with loved ones this season, and with Brian and Mark [Murphy] and Russ [Ball] and the coaching staff, and then make a decision at some point.
“I’m not gonna hold the team back from anything. And then once I make a decision to commit, it’ll be a quick decision.”
Rodgers, 38, had a rocky offseason heading into the 2021 season. Rumors about his commitment level to the Packers, even if he would retire, consumed the news. The two sides eventually came to an agreement to allow Rodgers to be a Packer for this season and then reevaluate at season's end.
Amidst the COVID-19 drama surrounding him, Rodgers has had one of his best seasons, even by his own lofty standards. So good, in fact, he might be content with going out on top.
“I wouldn’t rule that out,” Rodgers said. “I’m just enjoying this season for this season, and I think playing next year will definitely be in the thought process. One of the things — wanting to not be a bum on the way out, and still being able to play is important to me.
“If this year has taught me anything, it’s I still can play. I still have a love for the game. I’m still super competitive and still enjoy the process of the week. I miss practice, and it’s tough to not be out there. I still do love competing and I love being out there.”
In 14 games this season, Rodgers has thrown for 3,689 yards, 33 touchdowns and four interceptions on 68.0% passing. He's currently the betting favorite to win his 4th MVP award at -175, per FanDuel Sportsbook.
Meanwhile, the Packers (12-3) are the favorite to make it out of the NFC at +475. A Super Bowl victory could lead to Rodgers either remaining in Green Bay, or riding off into the sunset as one of the greatest quarterbacks the league has ever seen.
Follow Nick Geddes on Twitter @NickGeddesNews and on Instagram @nick.geddes.