Aaron Rodgers‘ future in the NFL is suddenly one of the most talked-about storylines to emerge from the wild card round of the playoffs.
On Monday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers were convincingly eliminated by the Houston Texans in a lopsided 30-6 loss at Acrisure Stadium. As the final seconds ticked away, frustration spilled over from the stands, with sections of the home crowd loudly calling for Rodgers to retire as he left the field.
Aaron Rodgers meets his twin before the Steelers game against the Texans
The defeat capped a difficult night for the four-time MVP, whose performance never found rhythm. Rodgers completed 17 passes for only 146 yards, absorbed four sacks, and failed to lead the Steelers to a single touchdown.
Pittsburgh’s offense looked overwhelmed from the opening drive, unable to match Houston’s speed or physicality. For a fanbase desperate for postseason success, the collapse felt all too familiar.
Houston, meanwhile, advanced with confidence despite not playing a flawless game. Quarterback C.J. Stroud committed three turnovers but still guided the Texans effectively, throwing for 250 yards and a touchdown on 21 completions.
His resilience helped Houston overcome mistakes and seize control early, never allowing the Steelers back into contention.
Questions loom over Rodgers and the Steelers’ direction
The Texans’ supporting cast delivered some of the night’s biggest highlights. Veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk stepped up after Nico Collins exited with a concussion, producing his most productive outing since joining Houston with eight receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown.
Rookie running back Woody Marks also made a statement, recording the first 100-yard rushing game of his career while adding a score on the ground.
While Houston looks ahead to a divisional round matchup, Pittsburgh faces uncomfortable questions. Rodgers previously suggested that the 2025-26 season would likely be his last, though reports earlier in the week indicated the Steelers would be open to his return.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Rodgers, but commentary from ESPN analyst Troy Aikman hinted that the end may already be here. Aikman said he believes Monday night could be the final time fans see Rodgers under center, noting that a return, either in Pittsburgh or elsewhere, seems unlikely.
Beyond Rodgers, the loss reignites scrutiny surrounding head coach Mike Tomlin. Despite extending his remarkable streak of 19 consecutive winning seasons, the Steelers have now gone nine years without a playoff victory. Their last postseason win came in January 2017, and patience among fans is wearing thin.
Once one of the league’s most feared quarterbacks, Rodgers walked off the field to jeers rather than applause, a sobering contrast to the acclaim that defined much of his career.
Whether this game becomes his final chapter or simply a painful footnote remains unknown. What is clear is that both Rodgers and the Steelers now stand at a crossroads, facing decisions that will shape the franchise’s future.
