Aaron Rodgers has finally opened up on his future and what's pushing back his deal with the Steelers. Rodgers, who has kept quiet on the subject, paid heed to it during an appearance on Joe Rogan's popular podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience.
Rodgers revealed the specifics about the personal commitments he had made this offseason away from football.
“I’ve figured it out during the last year when I’ve been in the weeds with these people who are close to me that have cancer,” Rodgers told Rogan.
According to Alex Kozora, Aaron Rodgers' conversation with Joe Rogan wasn't about football, but Rodgers' comments suggest his hesitation to sign with a team like the Steelers might be due to personal reasons, including a cancer diagnosis affecting people close to him.
“I’m in a different phase of my life. I’m 41 years old; I’m in a serious relationship,” Rodgers said during the April 17 episode of The Pat McAfee Show. “I have off-the-field stuff going on that requires my attention, and I have a couple people in my inner, inner circle who are battling some quite difficult stuff.”
Rodgers added that “off-the-field stuff” has been his focus this offseason.
The Steelers have been waiting three months for Aaron Rodgers to sign, and his recent interview with Joe Rogan may have shed light on why he's still unsigned. Fans can now speculate about possible reasons, adding to the list of theories that already includes everything from his interest in the Vikings to a potential marriage proposal.
“Speculation swirled at the Kentucky Derby when Aaron Rodgers was spotted wearing a ring, suggesting he has gotten engaged or married. His comments on McAfee’s show are consistent with what he told Rogan,” Kozora wrote. “And while there could be multiple personal reasons for his delay, along with Rodgers being a free agent who has no current obligations to any team, it appears friends who are fighting cancer is one explanation for the personal issues Rodgers is processing.”
The Steelers will start voluntary offseason workouts next week, and even if Aaron Rodgers had signed in March, he might not participate since the workouts are optional.