Aaron Rodgers expands on what factors into the decision on his future

Aaron Rodgers has a lot of contemplating to do. Speculation about the future of the Green Bay Packer’s quarterback started right after the team’s loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday and likely won’t slow down until he comes to a decision this offseason.

What goes into that kind of choice, though? What will tell Rodgers, one of the NFL’s best players as a Super Bowl winner and four-time MVP, that it’s time to walk away? He shared some of those answers during his postgame press conference. He said he needs to get away and determine what he feels about personal affirmation, preparation, and his future along with the future of the Packers.

“I mean it’s a feeling,” said Rodgers. “Do I feel like I have anything left to prove to myself? Do I want to go back and gear up for another grind? Or is it time? Is it time to step away? Is it time for another voice to be leading this team? I think I need to get away and contemplate those things. And those are real to me.”

“I have a lot of pride in what I’ve accomplished in this league. But I’m also a realist,” Rodgers said. “I understand where we’re at as a team. We’re a young team. There could be some changes with some of the older guys. It could be time to step away. But I could also take some time and say ‘hell no’ and I need to get back out there and go on another run. But I’ll have to see what it feels like once I’m away from it.”

Rodgers, who’s 39 years old now, just wrapped up his 19th season in the league. After winning back-to-back MVPs in 2020 and 2021, he threw for 3,695 yards and 26 touchdowns on a 64.6% completion rate in 2022. However, that production wasn’t enough to get the Packers into the playoffs as they finished just 8-9 this season.

Rodgers is well aware of where both he and the franchise are at this point in time. They might be at more of a crossroads than ever before simply because of what could be the next steps of their respective paths. Still, he says he has a lot to consider like potentially redirecting his competitive focus or if he thinks the ride is over for him in football.

“At some point, the carousel comes to a stop and it’s time to get off. And I think you kind of know when that is. That’s what needs to be contemplated. Is it time?,” said Rodgers. “Also, what’s the organization doing? That’s part of it as well.”

“But the competitive fire is always going to be there. I don’t think that ever goes away. Sometimes I think it gets transferred to other things that might not ever fill that large void,” Rodgers said. “But, like I said, I feel good about what I’ve accomplished in this league and wouldn’t have any regrets walking away. But I gotta see what it feels like once I get away from this.”