Tom Brady (left) and Aaron Rodgers had a handful of memorable battles during their playing days.
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Tom Brady is the unquestioned GOAT.
He won seven Super Bowls titles, five Super Bowl MVPs, played 22 NFL seasons NFL and played until he was 45.
Aaron Rodgers isn’t as accomplished, but he’s enjoyed a terrific career in which he won four MVPs and a Super Bowl with Green Bay. The 42-year-old Rodgers — who played for Pittsburgh in 2025 — recently wrapped up his 21st NFL season.
On Thursday, Brady was asked by a FOX television host when he knew it was time to hang it up.
“My last season was tough,” said Brady, whose now the lead color commentator at FOX. “I had a personal, family issue that was a challenge and it just took a lot out of me and my ability to continue to play. I had 23 years of it, so I didn’t feel like I was missing anything retiring. I had felt like this was time. I always had a goal of 45 — 45 years old, I wanted to spend time with my kids. I felt like, ‘OK, now it’s time for me to be at my kids’ games. They’ve been at enough of their dad’s games.’
“Aaron’s got his own decisions he’s got to make. He doesn’t have kids. He’s trying to navigate what he wants to do post-career. It’s hard to give up football, too. It’s something that we’re really good at. It’s something you love to do. You love being out there with your teammates.”
Rodgers had a solid season with the Steelers, but is nowhere near the player he once was in Green Bay.
Rodgers ranked 14th in the NFL in quarterback rating (94.8), 16th in completion percentage (65.7%) and 15th in passing yards (3,322). Rodgers threw 24 touchdowns, seven interceptions and ranked 27th in yards per attempt (6.7).
Rodgers, whose mobility was an enormous strength when he played in Green Bay, is almost statuesque now. That was evident in the Steelers’ 30-6 playoff loss to Houston on Monday.
Rodgers would almost certainly be looking for a new team in 2026. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin resigned Tuesday, and the Steelers are expected to go in a different direction at quarterback.
“To me, it’s do you want to make the commitment year-round?” Brady said. “If you don’t, well, then it’s never going to turn well when the season happens. If you want to be a great NFL player, you have to commit and be fully in. That’s the only way your team’s going to have a chance to win, especially when you’re the starting quarterback. Only Aaron can decide that for himself.”
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/robreischel/2026/01/15/tom-brady-offers-up-advice-to-former-packers-quarterback-aaron-rodgers/
