Aaron Rodgers reveals reasons for Steelers free agent contract delay

Billy Heyen

Aaron Rodgers reveals reasons for Steelers free agent contract delay image

Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

The NFL world has been waiting for Aaron Rodgers to make his free agency decision. It seems like the future Hall of Fame quarterback is the last offseason domino yet to fall.

Everyone assumes at this point that he'll join the Pittsburgh Steelers, but no contract has been signed.

As has been speculated, Rodgers has legitimate personal reasons for taking his time this offseason.

He revealed what's been going on in his life in a new appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience show.

"I've figured it out the last year when I've been in the weeds with these people who are close to me that have cancer," Rodgers began.

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The 41-year old also pointed to his personal relationship in a recent conversation on The Pat McAfee Show.

"I'm in a serious relationship," Rodgers said. "I have off-the-field stuff going on that requires my attention. I have personal commitments I have made. I have a couple of people in my inner, inner circle who are battling some difficult stuff. So, I have a lot of things that are taking my attention."

Rodgers feels like he knows exactly what the Steelers want. He's now just trying to put things into place.

"Because the conversations have been had," Rodgers said. "There's no more contemplation. I'm taking care of my people right now, and I'm taking care of my personal life responsibilities, and I'm keeping the conversation open as well."

Rodgers hasn't ruled out retirement, but it doesn't seem like the most likely outcome.

Instead, he'll likely be in Pittsburgh's black and gold by the start of the season.

First, Rodgers will deal with human things that are bigger than football, and there's nothing wrong with that.

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Billy Heyen

Billy Heyen is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a 2019 graduate of Syracuse University who has written about many sports and fantasy sports for The Sporting News. Sports reporting work has also appeared in a number of newspapers, including the Sandusky Register and Rochester Democrat & Chronicle