Aaron Rodgers likely anticipated discussions about his retirement after announcing that the 2026 NFL season would be his last. However, he probably did not foresee the immediate backlash that followed. Days after confirming his future with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rodgers found himself at the center of a heated television debate.
Mike Wilbon Criticizes Rodgers Hype
This time, ESPN analyst Mike Wilbon questioned the growing hype surrounding Rodgers and the Steelers. While Wilbon acknowledged Rodgers’ Hall of Fame career, he made it clear during ESPN’s First Take on May 21 that he does not place the veteran quarterback in the same category as Tom Brady late in his career. The comments quickly ignited discussions across NFL social media platforms.
Rodgers Signs with Steelers
Rodgers signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh earlier this month after weeks of speculation about his future. Shortly after joining the Steelers, the four-time MVP confirmed that the 2026 season would likely be the final chapter of his 22-year NFL career. This sudden announcement shifted attention toward a potential farewell tour.
However, Wilbon believes that people are now overstating Rodgers’ current impact instead of appreciating his past achievements. Speaking on First Take, Wilbon praised Rodgers’ resume but pushed back against the idea that the quarterback still carries elite-level relevance.
“His career is one of the great careers in NFL history, four MVPs,” Wilbon said. “I know it only resulted in one Super Bowl championship, and we tend to just forget people. People act like John Elway didn’t play the game. We don’t need to exaggerate it.”
Questioning Steelers’ Relevance
Wilbon then turned the conversation toward Pittsburgh’s chances in the AFC North. Despite the excitement around Rodgers joining the Steelers, he questioned whether the team truly belongs among the conference favorites.
“He had a great career that’s going to result in the wearing of a gold jacket in the Hall of Fame as it should be,” Wilbon said. “This notion that he and the Steelers are relevant to what? Not even in their own division. They are gonna be the third team in their own division behind Baltimore for sure and likely Cincinnati.”
Comparison with Aging Superstars
The sharpest moment came when Wilbon compared Rodgers with other aging superstars who remained dominant near retirement. “At this stage, he is not LeBron James. He’s not Tom Brady. We don’t need to overstate what he is now to appreciate what he has been.”
The criticism adds another layer of pressure before Rodgers even begins his first season in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won the AFC North in 2025, but their playoff run ended quickly. Rodgers now enters what he says will be his final NFL season with expectations already sky high.
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