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Aaron Rodgers has disclosed the specifics of the personal matters that have reportedly postponed his decision on joining a new team. The veteran quarterback, now a free agent after being released by the Jets, acknowledged dealing with challenging circumstances.
Rodgers had previously stated on the Pat McAfee Show that those close to him were ‘battling some personal stuff.’ Journalist Ian O’Connor, who has written about Rodgers, mentioned the expectation that these unspecified ‘personal issues’ would be resolved by the conclusion of May.
Now, Rodgers is sharing for the first time what he’s been managing.
‘I’ve been in the weeds with these people who are close to me that have cancer,’ he communicated to Joe Rogan on Rogan’s podcast.
Rodgers did not clarify the identity or number of individuals within his immediate circle who are currently battling cancer.
Speaking on 93.7 The Fan, O’Connor revealed his conviction that Rodgers will ultimately join the Steelers, but preferred to postpone joining the team until he was thoroughly prepared to practice.
Aaron Rodgers mentioned to Joe Rogan that people close to him had cancer.
Rodgers had previously made references to dealing with some personal matters this offseason.
‘I just think verbally, behind the scenes, not that he guaranteed it, but he’s told [the Steelers], ‘Listen, I’m gonna play for you. I just don’t want to go there and then miss part of mandatory minicamp because of my personal issues,” O’Connor stated.
”I’m pretty sure they’re gonna be solved by the end of May, at least in my satisfaction where I can give you my all.’ So that’s where I think it is.
O’Connor, the author of ‘Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers,’ conveyed his ‘feeling’ that Rodgers would become a Steelers player by the mandatory mini-camp commencing on June 10.
Potential Teams for Aaron Rodgers
Ever since the Jets publicly announced on February 13 their plans to move forward without Rodgers, the quarterback has been prominently associated with the Steelers.
He also engaged in discussions with the Giants and Vikings. However, New York proceeded to sign Russell Wilson and drafted Jaxson Dart, positioning him as their quarterback of the future. Meanwhile, Minnesota appears dedicated to J.J. McCarthy, their No. 10 pick in the 2024 draft.
In contrast, the Steelers have yet to comprehensively resolve their quarterback situation during this offseason, with Mason Rudolph currently holding the position of QB1. Pittsburgh opted not to select a quarterback until the sixth round of this year’s draft, ultimately adding Will Howard, a former Ohio State passer.
Rodgers Confirms Talks with Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin
Rodgers has affirmed that conversations took place with Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, yet he has remained hesitant regarding his future aspirations in football.
Rodgers was released by the Jets this past winter following only 18 starts with the team over the span of two years.
Rodgers admitted to meeting with Mike Tomlin, but says there is ‘no deadline’ to make a decision.
He communicated to McAfee that there’s ‘no deadline’ looming relative to arriving at a determination.
Personal Commitments and Future Outlook
‘I’m in a different phase of my life, I’m 41 years old, I’m in a serious relationship, I have personal commitments I’ve made… and people in my inner circle battling difficult stuff,’ he explained to the ex-Colts punter.
Should the Steelers successfully acquire Rodgers as a free agent, their aspirations would revolve around his potential to sustain their noteworthy streak of maintaining non-losing seasons.
Pittsburgh has not experienced a losing record since 2003, despite enduring losses in their previous five playoff appearances.
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky shared a notably pessimistic forecast regarding the upcoming season, anticipating that Pittsburgh will commence the year with a 0-6 record.