Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has one touchdown pass through the first two weeks of the 2026 NFL season, with his slow start prompting retirement speculation from former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Speaking on The Gronk & Jules Show, Rob Gronkowski suggested that Aaron Rodgers might be thinking about retirement after just two weeks of the 2026 NFL season. He said Rodgers could be thinking he should have retired last year if the Steelers' offensive struggles continue. 

“Aaron Rodgers is probably thinking that he should have retired last year,” Gronkowski said. “Already after watching the first two weeks, I'm saying that's what he was probably thinking. He may be thinking that if it continues ...ball for the Steelers.” 

The comments came after the Steelers' 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 2, a game in which Pittsburgh struggled to generate much offense.

The result followed a 24-20 win over the New York Jets in Week 1, giving the Steelers a mixed start to the season, as per the discussion on the NFL on Fox YouTube video.

He also referenced Aaron Rodgers' long run with former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy. He pointed to their more than 150 games together in Green Bay while explaining why Rodgers' current situation could feel different if Pittsburgh's offensive issues continue.

Gronkowski's retirement suggestion is based on the Steelers' early offensive struggles, not a statement from Rodgers himself.

While Gronkowski's comments centered on what Rodgers might be thinking, former NFL wide receiver Julian Edelman offered a different view on the retirement discussion. 

Julian Edelman pushes back on Aaron Rodgers' retirement talk

Former NFL wide receiver Julian Edelman urged Rob Gronkowski not to read too much into Aaron Rodgers' first two games, while Rodgers himself addressed the Steelers' offensive issues after their Week 2 loss. 

The 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers said the offense needed to improve after Pittsburgh's 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots on September 20, 2026. Speaking in his post-game press conference, Rodgers acknowledged the lack of flow on offense and said the responsibility starts with him. 

“In a game like today where there wasn't a lot of flow to it, we need to be better, and it starts with me,” Rodgers said on Joey Wagner - Steelers Streamer YouTube video. “At like, making sure that Mike knows what's working...better chance.” 

Edelman's response adds another layer to the retirement discussion, as he suggested it is too early to assume Rodgers wishes he had retired. 

With the Steelers set to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3, the quarterback's next performance will provide more context to the conversation. 

Written by

Divyanshi Raj