During an appearance on NBA Showtime, former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin shared his thoughts on the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2026.
Tomlin, who coached Rodgers in 2025, was asked about the veteran signal-caller’s plans for the upcoming season. His response reflected deep admiration for Rodgers’ dedication to the sport.
"I just think being around him for the 12 months that I'm around him, he got a love affair with the game of football," Tomlin said. "And not only the game, but the process. The informal moments, the development of younger guys, the interaction with teammates. I think he has an addiction to that. And there's only one way to feed it, and certainly, he is still capable and in really good shape, and so I think at the end of the day, he'll play football."
Tomlin’s comments highlight Rodgers’ well-documented passion for football, which extends beyond game day to include the sport’s developmental and social aspects. However, Rodgers has historically shown reluctance toward structured offseason programs, often delaying contract signings until late in the offseason.
If Rodgers returns in 2026, it will likely be with the Steelers, as no other teams have emerged as obvious landing spots. The team’s quarterback depth chart already includes Drew Allar (third-round pick in 2025), Mason Rudolph, and Will Howard (sixth-round pick in 2025).
Rodgers has not yet confirmed whether he will return to Pittsburgh for another season, leaving his 2026 plans uncertain amid a competitive roster situation.