Yahoo Sports NFL on Aaron Rodgers
From the article
Rodgers has cited the Steelers' hiring of McCarthy this offseason as a reason he decided to put off retirement for one more year. "I'd gone into the offseason thinking it was probably going to be it, and I'd be totally fine with it — I feel good about my career. But once he got hired, then my mindset changed a little bit." He added: "Absence makes the heart grow much fonder, in this case."
STACKED’s take
Rodgers unretired for McCarthy reunion; cited rekindled connection after Packers years.
Rodgers decided to return for the 2026 season after initially planning to retire, citing coach Mike McCarthy's hiring by the Steelers as the primary reason for changing his mind. Rodgers told The Athletic in August: "I'd gone into the offseason thinking it was probably going to be it, and I'd be totally fine with it — I feel good about my career. But once he got hired, then my mindset changed a little bit." He added: "Absence makes the heart grow much fonder, in this case." McCarthy reciprocated the sentiment, saying: "Just to be able to take this final lap with him, it's awesome. You always want to do a great job, but now to do it with him in his last chapter, it's special."
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