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Is Aaron Rodgers retiring from NFL? Internet 'happy to hear it' after Green Bay's loss

Getting rid of Rodgers would also free up $19.9 million in cap space while allowing Green Bays to distance itself from his anti-vax controversies

Controversial NFL star Aaron Rodgers may have hinted at retirement after the Green Bay Packers slumped to a stunning 13-10 loss to the  San Francisco 49ers. In a profile published on January 21, 2022, Rodgers' comments left many fans wondering if he was indeed calling time on his storied career, which has of late taken a backseat amidst his strong anti-vax stance. That also came up during the profile, where Rodgers took a dig at President Joe Biden.

Rodgers has become an immensely divisive figure for his refusal to get the Covid-19 vaccine, even though he caught the virus in November 2021. Those that have backed Rodgers, like State Farm Insurance found themselves being boycotted and trolled, while the Packers have repeatedly been asked to ax the quarterback. But the 38-year-old has survived those efforts and managed to complete his 17th season with the team, which may turn out to be his last.

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Social media seemed quite happy after Rodgers said he was contemplating his future, saying, "I didn't think it was going to end like this." While the comments were quite vague, it seemed as if the QB was certainly considering calling time on his long career.

Is Aaron Rodgers retiring?

At 38, there are few professional athletes still playing the game like Rodgers, but age seems to be of little consequence. He's still got two years to go on his four-year extension he signed in 2018 but kicked in only in 2020. If he does play the remaining two years, he reportedly stands to gain $50 million, but there's a good chance he won't either. The way his deal is structured, Rodgers will be a free agent in 2023, and it seems like the Packers have made moves to build a team beyond him.

During the 2020 Draft, the team also signed Jordan Love on a rookie contract, and they still have him for at least three years if they chose to exercise the fifth-year option. Getting rid of Rodgers would also free up $19.9 million in cap space while allowing the team to distance itself from his anti-vax controversies. With all that context, it's now worth looking at what Rodgers said. 

"I'm going to take some time and have conversations with the folks around here and then take some time away and make a decision - obviously before free agency," Rodgers said after the game. He also said, "it's a fresh start right now," and "it's definitely going to look different moving forward in Green Bay." Perhaps his strongest hint came when he said, "But I'm thankful for this time, this team... frustrated with how it ended, but still deeply grateful for this season and these guys."

In light of his contract situation, and the situation at the Packers, it does seem like Rodgers is strongly considering calling time on his career. The profile quickly got ample attention on social media, with many happy to see the QB fade away from the limelight for his stance on vaccines. 

'Ready for it' jokes internet

It led to reactions like "If Aaron Rodgers press conference just now doesn’t indicate possible retirement, the I don’t know what does," and "Bye Bye Aaron Rodgers. Enjoy retirement." One person even trolled, "Can’t wait for Aaron Rodgers to do another fake retirement conference at Four Seasons Total Landscaping." One user mocked, "I cannot believe that Robbie Gould and a blocked punt drove Aaron Rodgers to into retirement."

"The NFC West has send both Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady into (potential) retirement. Proud of this division," one user joked. Another tweeted, "Aaron Rodgers can announce his retirement anytime now, I’ll be happy to hear it." One person said, "Ready for Aaron Rodgers to announce his retirement and new podcast on Joe Rogan’s show next week."