NEED TO KNOW
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Aaron Rodgers revealed that his wife’s sister influencer his decision to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to a recent feature published by The Athletic
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The new Steelers quarterback called his 20-year-old sister in-law “the brains of the family”
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Rodgers agreed to a one-year, $13.65 million contract with the Steelers in June 2025
Aaron Rodgers’ NFL career is backed by family.
The new Steelers quarterback, 41, opened up to The Athletic about his one-year, $13.65 million contract with the Pittsburgh team, revealing that one of his new in-laws had a large influence on his decision after being released by the New York Jets in March.
“I was taking orders from my (new) sister-in-law, Mia,” he said, smiling, according to the outlet. “She’s 20 and she’s the brains of the family; you just have to ask her.”
He then laughed, before adding, “No — but that is partially serious for sure. Every team that I talked to, I said, ‘Listen, if I play, I’m not going to take a ton of money. I’ve made a ton of money. I don’t need the money.’ ”
Joe Sargent/Getty
Aaron Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Steelers during minicamp on June 11, 2025.
In late 2024, the star athlete first revealed that he was dating a woman named Brittani, whom he said is private person and has no social media. He later sparked rumors that he had gotten married when he was spotted with a wedding band at the Kentucky Derby, which prompted fans to speculate on social media that he and Brittani tied the knot.
Rodgers confirmed that he was married a month later, on June 10, during his first press conference as a Steeler.
Joe Sargent/Getty
Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets in October 2024
The Super Bowl winner first mentioned Brittani publicly when speaking on The Pat McAfee Show in December 2024, casually mentioning her while talking about Christmas shopping. He recalled a stressful moment when a gift he ordered for her was delayed.
Co-host A.J. Hawk then jokingly asked Rodgers, “Spears?” to which the QB made clear, “Not Britney Spears, no, this is Brittani with an ‘i.’ “
Later in the show, when McAfee and others poked fun at Rodgers for being “in love,” he replied, “It’s a good feeling, boys. It is.”
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Aaron Rodgers
Also on June 10, the same day Rodgers confirmed his marriage, he explained why he chose to return to the NFL for his 21st season.
“I don’t need it for my ego,” he told reporters. “I don’t need it to keep playing. A lot of decisions that I’ve made over my career and life from strictly the ego, even if they turn out well, are always unfulfilling. But the decisions made from the soul are usually pretty fulfilling.”
He added, “This was a decision that was best for my soul, and I felt like being here with coach [Mike Tomlin] and the guys that got here and the opportunity here was the best for me and I’m excited to be here.”
Rodgers returned to The Pat McAfee Show on June 24, where he discussed his future in the NFL. During his appearance, he signaled that the upcoming season would likely be his last.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure this is it,” he told McAfee. “That’s why we just did a one-year deal. Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that or anything, so this was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I’ve had.”
“I played 20 fricking years. It’s been a long run,” Rodgers continued. “I’ve enjoyed it, and no better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL with [coach] Mike Tomlin and a great group of leadership and great guys in the city that expects you to win.”
The future Hall of Famer spent 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and two with the New York Jets.
Read the original article on People
