The Aaron Rodgers saga finally came to an end after months of speculation.
But the veteran quarterback faces one awkward situation with a Steelers legend.
And Aaron Rodgers just made one decision that will have Terry Bradshaw fuming.
Aaron Rodgers signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Aaron Rodgers experiment in New York came to a crashing halt after just two disappointing seasons.
The Jets moved on from the four-time MVP quarterback after a disastrous 5-12 record in 2024 following his season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1 of 2023.
Multiple reports confirmed that Rodgers has officially signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2025 season.
The veteran quarterback signed a one-year contract and is expected to join the team for mandatory minicamp next week, according to NFL Network and other outlets.
The 41-year-old quarterback will participate in minicamp to get accustomed to his new teammates and coaches before preparing on his own for the rest of the summer.
Head coach Mike Tomlin called his meeting with Rodgers on March 28 "productive," and NFL Network had reported that "contract parameters have been in place for months."
Rodgers has publicly stated that he told teams he would play for around $20 million this season.
The Steelers made some moves to support their new quarterback by trading for Pro Bowl wide receiver D.K. Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks after dealing George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys.
Rodgers will also be working with tight end Pat Freiermuth, receivers Robert Woods and Calvin Austin, and a dynamic backfield of Jaylen Warren and third-round pick Kaleb Johnson.
Terry Bradshaw won’t be happy about Aaron Rodgers wearing his number
Social media exploded with images of Aaron Rodgers in a Steelers uniform wearing No. 12.
But that jersey number creates a problem for the new Steelers quarterback.
While Terry Bradshaw’s No. 12 isn’t officially retired by Pittsburgh, it’s unofficially retired out of respect for the Hall of Fame quarterback.
The Steelers surely wouldn’t issue Bradshaw’s number to Rodgers without the four-time Super Bowl champion’s blessing.
Just last week, Bradshaw made it clear what he thought about the prospect of the Steelers signing Rodgers.
"That’s a joke," Bradshaw said on 103.7 The Buzz in Little Rock, Arkansas. "That is just to me is a joke. What are you gonna do? Bring him in for one year? Are you kidding me?"
"That guy needs to stay in California. Go somewhere and chew on bark and whisper to the gods out there," Bradshaw added.
Rodgers likely has a lot of work ahead of him to be viewed as “in the circle” by Bradshaw as was the case one of his daughters’ then boyfriends who he famously roasted during an appearance on Steve Harvey’s Family Feud not too long ago.
For now, Bradshaw’s harsh words suggest he won’t be thrilled about Rodgers wearing his iconic No. 12.
There’s also the question of whether Rodgers would even want to wear Bradshaw’s number.
When Rodgers joined the Jets in 2023, former Jets quarterback Joe Namath was willing to let him wear No. 12 even though the number was retired in New York.
Rodgers declined that opportunity, showing respect for the Jets legend.
"There are some iconic names that have played here, probably none more iconic than number 12," Rodgers said at his Jets introductory news conference. "And I heard what he said about unretiring his number, but to me, 12 is Broadway Joe and I didn’t even want to go down that path."
Rodgers will likely choose No. 8 with the Steelers
The more likely choice for Rodgers is No. 8, which he wore at Cal and during his time with the Jets.
The number is currently issued to Steelers punter Corliss Waitman.
That means Rodgers will have the number if he wants it since punters don’t typically hold onto jersey numbers when star quarterbacks arrive.
Rodgers wore No. 8 during his college career at California before switching to No. 12 when he joined the Green Bay Packers.
He went back to No. 8 when he joined the Jets, suggesting he’s comfortable with that number and respectful of retired numbers.
"I’m excited about going back to my college number," Rodgers said when he announced his decision to wear No. 8 with the Jets.
The jersey number situation highlights the awkward dynamics Rodgers faces as he joins his third NFL team.
At 41 years old, Rodgers is looking to prove he still has something left in the tank after the disappointment in New York.
The Steelers are hoping that bringing in the veteran quarterback will finally get them over the hump in the playoffs.
Pittsburgh has made the playoffs in recent years but hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016.
Rodgers needed a team that believes he can look like his old self after two highly underwhelming seasons with the New York Jets.
Arthur Smith’s offense will give Rodgers new weapons to work with as he tries to extend his Hall of Fame career.
The four-time MVP quarterback finished strong in 2024 despite dealing with nagging injuries early in the season.
Through his final 10 games with New York, Rodgers threw for 18 touchdowns with only four interceptions.
Rodgers will turn 42 years old in December when he hopes to be in playoff position with the Steelers.
But first, he’ll have to navigate the jersey number situation without creating more drama with Terry Bradshaw.
The Steelers legend has made his feelings clear about Rodgers joining the team.
Now we’ll see if Rodgers tries to make peace by avoiding Bradshaw’s No. 12 or if he pushes for the number anyway.
Based on his history of respecting retired numbers, expect Rodgers to stick with No. 8 and avoid any unnecessary conflict with the Pittsburgh legend.
