Aaron Rodgers Wants to Retire With the Packers: 'I've Got a Lot of Love For the Organization'

Aaron Rodgers has officially announced his retirement plans, and it's exactly as fans wished it would be.

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, who earlier indicated that this season could be the last of his career, said he plans to retire as a member of the Green Bay Packers, the team where he began his record-breaking career.

Aaron Rodgers to End Career Where It All Started

During a recent press conference before the Steelers' game against his old team, Rodgers spoke about his future. According to the New York Post, he said that his football career would not feel complete without a dignified farewell in Green Bay.

"I was there for 18 years. Regardless of when I hang it up, that's the bulk of my career. I'll retire a Packer and see what happens after that. I've got a lot of love for the organization [and] my time there. They asked this week is it a revenge game or whatever. What do I got to be avenging here? They made me a ton of money. I grew up there, spent some of the best years of my life there. I've got nothing but love for the organization."

Rodgers dispelled any notion of bad blood with the Packers as much as his departure from the team might have suggested otherwise. The veteran quarterback, who had spent almost two decades with Green Bay, had nothing but respect and gratitude for the team that shaped his career and person.

Rodgers Only Wants Respect and Gratitude

As much as the question about whether playing the Packers was a revenge game was posed, Rodgers waved it off with his signature cool.

While fans are speculating that Rodgers will be back for revenge, he clarified that he only wanted affection for the team where he grew up.

Rodgers' remarks are the same humility and gratitude that characterized his Green Bay years. He developed lasting relationships with teammates, coaches, and fans that help define his legacy even after he departs from Lambeau Field.

Emulating Brett Favre

The Packers have traditionally respected their greats, and Rodgers' return is anticipated to be similar to that of Brett Favre. The great quarterback was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 2015, a year before becoming part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and his No. 4 jersey was retired for good.

At this point, Favre was still surprised that Rodgers hadn't won more Super Bowl rings. If Rodgers does not win a ring with the Steelers, this will further intensify his desire to retire early.

Rodgers, whose last appearance with the Packers was in 2022 before switching to the New York Jets and subsequently signing with the Steelers, will receive the same accolades when he officially retires.

Favorite Memories of Lambeau Field

Though Rodgers departed for other teams, his heart appears still to be in Green Bay. When asked by Packers reporters about his career, Rodgers spoke with pride.

The 41-year-old athlete considered Green Bay as an "intimate" place where he developed as a player. He explained that at the end of the day, he will return to where he started his career.

The Steelers will face the Packers on Sunday, Oct. 26. As early as Oct. 23, Micah Parsons already thought of a strategy to disrupt Rodgers. Clutch Points reported that Parsons will focus on making Rodgers uncomfortable in reading defenses.