Aaron Rodgers joins Steelers, says it was them or not play - ESPN

PITTSBURGH — For Aaron Rodgers, continuing his playing career and signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers was a decision that was «best for my soul.»

After officially signing his one-year, $13.65 million contract Saturday, the 41-year-old began his 21st season Tuesday by attending the first day of mandatory minicamp at the Steelers' practice facility.

«I don't need it for my ego,» the four-time MVP said in his first public comments since April. «I don't need it to keep playing. A lot of decisions that I've made over my career and life from strictly the ego, even if they turn out well, are always unfulfilling. But the decisions made from the soul are usually pretty fulfilling.

»This was a decision that was best for my soul and I felt like being here with coach [Mike Tomlin] and the guys that got here, and the opportunity here was the best for me and I'm excited to be here."

Though there were discussions with other teams, including the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings, Rodgers said the Steelers were the only true option for his 2025 season.

«There were conversations with other organizations, for sure,» he said. «But again, the rapport that fell in between me and Mike made it to where, as I was going through my personal stuff, there wasn't any other option for me. It was here or not play.»

More than 70 days passed between Rodgers' covert visit to Pittsburgh early in free agency and him officially becoming a Steeler. He previously said on «The Pat McAfee Show» that he was delaying his decision as members of his close circle dealt with «difficult stuff.»

He said he signed now because those circumstances were getting better.

«I was dealing with a lot of things in my personal life, and some things improved a little bit where