Aaron Rodgers is officially the oldest quarterback to ever suit up for the Pittsburgh Steelers—and one of the most seasoned players across the entire NFL. At 42 years old, the four-time MVP remains a free agent as of mid-May, and fans are still waiting to hear whether he'll return to the Steel City for a second season. While Rodgers visited Pittsburgh on May 8 and was expected to meet with the team to discuss a potential return, no decision has been announced yet.
Regardless of where he lands in 2026, Rodgers will undoubtedly be among the league's elder statesmen. Last season, he was projected to be the oldest active player in the NFL, but that title went to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers, who joined the team's practice squad in December 2025 at 44 years old. Rivers' late-season signing pushed Rodgers to second place in the age rankings—a reminder that Father Time remains undefeated, but these veteran quarterbacks keep rewriting the rules.
Rodgers' age also places him in a unique spot in Steelers history. According to CBS Sports, since the franchise was founded in 1933, no player had ever taken the field for Pittsburgh at age 40 or older—until Rodgers arrived. That makes him not just a seasoned veteran, but a trailblazer for longevity in black and gold.
Rodgers' football journey began long before his NFL stardom. He played quarterback at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, California from 1998 to 2001, where he threw for 4,419 yards and led the Vikings to a 17-7 record over his junior and senior seasons. He then starred at the University of California, Berkeley, before being selected 24th overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 2005 NFL Draft. Over his legendary career, Rodgers has piled up MVP awards, a Super Bowl title, and countless memorable moments—from his 7-yard touchdown pass to John Kuhn in the 2010 NFC Divisional Playoff to his iconic performances at Texas Stadium and the Georgia Dome.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes remain on Rodgers. Whether he stays in Pittsburgh or moves on, one thing is clear: his age is just a number, and his legacy as one of the oldest—and most accomplished—quarterbacks in league history is already secure.