The NFL world continues to wait on Aaron Rodgers’ next move – and it might come with the kind of theatrical flair only he can deliver.
While nothing official has been confirmed, mounting speculation suggests the four-time MVP could be poised to announce his decision to join the Pittsburgh Steelers – and do so live on The Pat McAfee Show during a special broadcast in McAfee’s hometown of Pittsburgh this evening.
TheMMQB’s Albert Breer was among those who floated the possibility while discussing Rodgers’ prolonged free agency, reminding readers of the timely connection between McAfee and the future Hall of Famer.
If that turns out to be the case, Rodgers would once again step directly into the spotlight – and almost certainly reignite a familiar media firestorm.
A dramatic public commitment would no doubt captivate fans, but critics would be quick to pounce, framing it as another example of the quarterback’s supposed ego.
After all, Rodgers’ controversial decision last summer to skip the Jets’ mandatory minicamp in favor of a planned trip to Egypt stirred plenty of debate about his commitment.
Announcing a new deal in front of a live audience on a friend’s show? That would send the “Rodgers is a narcissist” narrative into overdrive.
Yet for all the potential backlash, it’s unlikely Rodgers would care. The 41-year-old quarterback has consistently shown he’s willing to chart his own course – public opinion be damned.
Rodgers may simply see an announcement on McAfee’s show as a fun moment for fans, a boost for McAfee’s platform, and a way to shine a light on the Pittsburgh community.
And the optics – however chaotic – likely wouldn’t faze him in the slightest.
There’s also the matter of practicality. Rodgers worked out with new Steelers wideout DK Metcalf recently and there’s virtually no other destination in play.
Rodgers’ preferred landing spot, the Minnesota Vikings, have reportedly moved on. So, now more than ever, a partnership with Pittsburgh feels increasingly inevitable.
If Rodgers takes the stage at PPG Paints Arena this evening and pledges his future to the Black and Gold, don’t expect a quiet news day.
It should be noted that McAfee recently shot down speculation that Rodgers would make his announcement live on his show. However, that could just be an attempt to save the element of surprise.
Either way, we won’t have to wait too much longer to find out…
What are your thoughts on the rumblings that Rodgers will make his official announcement tonight???
