Aaron Rodgers, the veteran quarterback now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has had a season that’s drawn plenty of attention and a fair share of skepticism. Entering his 20th NFL year at age 41, many questioned whether he could maintain elite play. Some doubters pointed to waning arm strength, age, and lingering effects from past injuries, while others wondered if he still had the competitive fire. Despite that, Rodgers has shown flashes of his trademark brilliance — and some real room for concern.
While fantasy and betting platforms like DraftKings don’t define his legacy, they reflect how much fans remain invested in his numbers. Observing how Rodgers navigates this late-career stretch, both in terms of performance and decision-making, provides a fascinating look at how elite quarterbacks age.
This Season’s Performance & Key Stats
As of the most recent data, Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 1,969 yards, with 19 touchdowns and 7 interceptions across ten games. His passer rating stands at 97.7, according to StatMuse. His completion percentage sits around 66.4 percent, and he has averaged about 205.9 passing yards per game. While those are solid numbers for most quarterbacks, they represent a different standard for a four-time MVP like Rodgers.
In situational stats, according to NFL.com, Rodgers has struggled on short-to-mid-range throws, especially under pressure. That said, some strength remains: during certain “attempt 21-through-30” dropback situations, he has generated a passer rating above 120, showing he can still rise to the occasion in specific scenarios.
Awards, Milestones, and Legacy
Rodgers’ career is decorated. He is a four-time NFL MVP, won a Super Bowl, and is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks of his generation. His career passer rating is among the highest in league history. One of his more recent milestones came late in the previous season when he threw his 500th career touchdown pass, becoming only the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach that mark.
Despite playing for the Jets in 2024, he still posted 3,897 yards and 28 passing touchdowns, although he also threw 11 interceptions and the team finished 5–12.
Critics’ Doubts — And Some Validation
Many analysts questioned whether Rodgers could still perform at a high level. Some pointed to his age and injury history, particularly after his Achilles tear, expressing concern about whether he’d lost a step. Others raised eyebrows at his tenure with the Jets, as the offense was inconsistent and the team failed to contend.
However, Rodgers quieted some of those critics in Week 18 of the prior season. In that game, he threw four touchdown passes, helping the Jets close out the season with a win. That performance served as a reminder that he can still deliver in big moments.
On the flip side, there are ongoing concerns about his physical wear. He has been sacked many times over his career, ranking high among the most-sacked quarterbacks in NFL history. For a player whose mobility and quick release defined his prime, that remains a potential Achilles heel (no pun intended).
What Makes His Current Situation Unique
Rodgers’ move to Pittsburgh on a one-year contract adds another layer to this story. According to reports, he views 2025 as “almost certainly” his final NFL season. That decision suggests he is weighing legacy as much as performance. He chose a franchise with a rich history and a respected head coach in Mike Tomlin, signaling he wants to finish on his own terms.
At the same time, his role in Pittsburgh allows him to lean more on the running game and play-action offense, possibly reducing the risk of burnout. His agent and team are likely structuring plays to maximize his strengths while limiting the physical toll.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
Rodgers is threading a fine needle: he wants to show he still belongs in the NFL’s elite tier, but he also seems pragmatic about the end of his career. If he continues to play at his current level, he may silence critics who said he was washed up. But the margin for error is smaller than ever, given his age and the physical demands of the quarterback position.
Even so, his legacy remains secure. With his Hall of Fame resume, any late-career decline is unlikely to overshadow all he has already accomplished. But for fans and analysts, the narrative of Rodgers in 2025 is compelling: can a future Hall of Famer deliver one more meaningful chapter — or is this truly the final act?
Aaron Rodgers’ 2025 season is a complex mix of nostalgia, competitiveness, and realism. His stats show he can still perform effectively, even if he is no longer in his prime. Critics’ doubts are understandable, but his heroics in certain games and long list of career achievements mean he still commands respect.
Whether this is his final season or not, Rodgers is writing a nuanced closing chapter. For fans, it is a chance to appreciate both his enduring talent and his journey — a legacy built over two decades, and perhaps one more memorable season to cap it off.
Main Image: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
