Former Steelers Rival Doesn't Believe Aaron Rodgers Will Retire: 'He's Coming Back'

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Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson doesn't believe Aaron Rodgers will walk away from the NFL after the 2026 season, even though the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback has repeatedly said he plans to retire.

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Johnson shared his prediction during a recent episode of "Nightcap" with Shannon Sharpe and Joe "Iso" Johnson, pointing to Pittsburgh's winning record and uncertainty surrounding its long-term quarterback plans as reasons Rodgers could return.

“He's coming back, man,” Chad Johnson said. “There's no door that they can open where they're gonna find another quarterback.”

The Steelers improved to 5-2 with a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Paris on Sunday. Rodgers completed 19 of 30 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown, helping Pittsburgh secure its fifth win of the season.

Chad Johnson believes the team's success could give Rodgers additional leverage when deciding whether to continue playing.

“They're 5-2. They're playing really well right now,” Chad Johnson said. “But they don't have an answer at the quarterback position.”

Rodgers, who turns 43 in December, would enter his 23rd NFL season if he returns in 2027. Chad Johnson argued that Pittsburgh's lack of an established successor could make another season with the veteran quarterback an appealing option.

“Even at 43, which he'll be next year, he still has leverage,” Chad Johnson said. “He still has leverage because anyone else that is out there that might be younger, they're not gonna be playing any better than this.”

Aaron Rodgers Has Been Firm About Retirement

Despite Chad Johnson's prediction, Rodgers has consistently maintained that the 2026 campaign will be his final NFL season.

The four-time NFL MVP confirmed his plans when he signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh in May. He reiterated that stance during training camp, leaving little room for speculation about his future.

Rodgers' decision to return for 2026 followed the Steelers' hiring of head coach Mike McCarthy, with whom he spent 13 seasons in Green Bay. Their reunion ultimately convinced Rodgers to continue his career for at least one more year.

The veteran quarterback has delivered a productive start to the season. Through seven games, he has thrown for 1,699 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions, helping Pittsburgh establish itself as a contender in the AFC.

Sunday's victory also marked a significant milestone for Rodgers. His touchdown pass to tight end Darnell Washington was the 540th of his regular-season career, moving him past Peyton Manning for third place on the NFL's all-time passing touchdown list.

Steelers Must Find Their Next Quarterback

Chad Johnson's prediction highlights a significant question facing Pittsburgh as it looks toward the future: who will replace Rodgers under center?

The Steelers have young quarterbacks Drew Allar and Will Howard on the roster, but neither has established himself as Rodgers' long-term successor. Pittsburgh could also explore the draft, free agency or a trade to address the position.

A potential Rodgers return would give the Steelers more time to develop a younger quarterback rather than immediately handing over the starting job. However, the team would still need to determine its long-term direction at the position.

For now, Rodgers has given Pittsburgh little reason to expect him back in 2027. Johnson, however, believes the team's circumstances could change the veteran quarterback's plans once again.

Whether Rodgers sticks to his retirement decision or considers another season remains to be seen. For Johnson, the Steelers' need for a reliable quarterback makes the possibility of another return worth watching.

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