For the first time since the 2019 and 2020 seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have the same Week 1 starter for two years in a row.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned to Pittsburgh for a second season with the organization after leading the Steelers to an AFC North title in 2025, throwing 24 touchdowns to seven interceptions in the process. Rodgers had said last summer that he intended on 2025 being his final year in the NFL. However, when speaking to the media to kickoff training camp, he revealed
why he decided to come back.
“I felt last year might be it,” Rodgers said. “And then Mike [McCarthy] got hired. I talked to the wife and she said, ‘you can do one more year.’”
While Rodgers will be entering his 22nd NFL season, he made it clear that there is “zero debate” on 2026 being his final season.
The Steelers will have their first padded practice on Monday, August 3, with their first preseason game taking place Thursday August 11 against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. They’ll begin their 2026 regular season at home against the Atlanta Falcons on September 13.
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