Pat McAfee: Aaron Rodgers seriously considered retirement

Aaron Rodgers announced on Tuesday that he would be returning to the Green Bay Packers for the 2022 season. He even is making a fairly long-term commitment to them, as he’s expected to sign a 4-year, $200 million deal with the team.

Prior to sharing that he would be returning to the Packers, Rodgers contemplated joining another team instead. He reportedly had trades arranged to three teams depending on what he decided.

Rodgers also apparently gave serious consideration to retirement.

Pat McAfee, who has become a Rodgers confidant, discussed the retirement option during an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Thursday.

“I think what was being talked about that hasn’t been chatted about is retirement was a very real consideration for him,” McAfee said on the show. “I don’t believe this was a clear, concise decision the entire way. I think there was multiple days when he thought about doing something vastly different than going back to the Pack.”

There was talk all last year that Rodgers was considering retirement, so this report from McAfee isn’t all that surprising.

This year, it seemed more like Rodgers considered other teams more so than retirement, even if he also contemplated ending his career.

Rodgers, 38, just completed his 17th season with the Packers. He has won consecutive NFL MVP awards.

Photo: Oct 28, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports