The Best and Worst ‘Last Dance’ QB Seasons in NFL History As Aaron Rodgers Enters Final Year
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Aaron Rodgers has confirmed that the 2026 NFL season with the Steelers will be his final before retirement, after initially hinting at retirement in 2025.
- Rodgers is expected to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame five years after retiring, joining other legendary quarterbacks with varied career endings.
- The article reviews notable Hall of Fame quarterbacks' final seasons, highlighting some who ended on high notes like Tom Brady and Drew Brees, while others had less successful conclusions such as Johnny Unitas and Brett Favre.
- Examples of best career finishes include Tom Brady's prolific 2022 season and Otto Graham's 1955 NFL MVP and championship win, while poor endings feature players like Dan Marino and Joe Namath, who struggled in their final years.
- Rodgers aims to avoid a disappointing finish like his last season's pick-six and hopes to conclude his career on a strong note similar to some Hall of Fame predecessors.