Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers reacts to Philip Rivers' NFL return

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers against Baltimore Ravens

...

Matthew Couden

By Matthew Couden

Contributing Writer

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

With Philip Rivers recently deciding to un-retire and help out the Indianapolis Colts, the sports world began contemplating the likelihood that the 44-year-old quarterback would contribute.

When Rivers signed with the Colts' practice squad, many questioned whether he was in shape and could handle the challenge of playing at his age. However, there are examples of other quarterbacks who have suited up at his age or near it, including future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.

A former Super Bowl winner with the Green Bay Packers, the superstar QB has since found a home with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While his attempts to lead the New York Jets from being a disappointing franchise to the playoffs didn't work out, he's seemingly got the black and yellow on their way to another postseason appearance.

Read More on NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers against Baltimore Ravens

...

Rivers last played in the NFL with the Colts in the 2020 season. However, he's been away from the game for what feels like an eternity now.

Asked about Rivers' un-retiring to help out the Colts, the 42-year-old Rodgers joked, "Well, I'm not the oldest guy in the league. Love that."

"It's pretty incredible, though. He's been out for I believe four full seasons, plus part of this season," Rodgers said, mentioning personally that if he retired, he's "staying retired" at that age.

"I give credit to Phil. I've been a fan of his forever. I've known him a little bit over the years. I just love the way that he competes and plays," the Steelers star said.

He called Rivers "not the most gifted player," but praised him as "cerebral" and a "hilarious trash talker," also expressing he wished him "nothing but the best" in his comeback to the league.

View this post on X

Rodgers has been part of the league for 20 years now, ever since being drafted No. 24 by Green Bay in 2005. He's gone on to win Super Bowl XLV and four NFL Most Valuable Player awards, among other accolades. While an injury prematurely ended his 2023 season with the New York Jets, he's played in most of the Steelers' games this season.

Rodgers previously went on record as saying this is his final season in the NFL. His official retirement announcement will come at some point once the postseason games are over, but for now, it seems he's content attempting to help his latest squad secure a playoff spot and make some noise in the AFC.

This season in Pittsburgh, Rodgers has thrown for 2,370 yards and 20 touchdowns. His total for touchdowns is tied for 10th in the league, showing he can still compete at 42. It's uncertain how many more years he'll decide to play.

The 7-6 Steelers are currently first in the AFC North and host the Miami Dolphins in a game set for "Monday Night Football." Meanwhile, should Rivers play, he'll be on the field against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon.