The 2026 that Aaron Rodgers is having so far would look very different if not for his wife.
Days after the veteran Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback credited her for helping him decide to return to football for one more year, Rodgers said she also helped him reunite with his family after years of estrangement. The 42-year-old told NFL Media’s Kyle Brandt at training camp that “a big part of” making the decision to see his family was getting married.
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“Having those conversations with my wife – that allowed me to open up to the possibility of coming together,” Rodgers said. “It’s been a couple-year process now, the conversations with them. I’ve been very closed off about that part of my life, and I want to keep it that way, but there’s been a narrative that’s gone on for too long that I wanted to shut down.”
AARON RODGERS: Steelers QB appears to reunite with family after years of estrangement
Rodgers went on to say that he enjoyed getting to spend time with his parents, his brother Luke, and Luke’s family in Nashville over a recent long weekend before training camp. He reiterated that his wife’s support was what helped him re-establish the connection with his family.
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“I’m happy to be reunited,” Rodgers said. “That part of my life is a really beautiful addition, and I gotta give my wife a lot of credit. Not that she was pushing me, because she never was, but just the way that she loves and supports me, having her by my side during this process was really special.
“I missed those relationships. And there was reasons for (the estrangement) that don’t need to be talked about, but I’m thankful that that’s come all the way back around.”
AARON RODGERS WIFE: Steelers QB credits spouse for decision to play another season
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Football is back! See NFL players in action at training camp
New England Patriots quarterback Behren Morton (15) does a passing drill with running back Jam Miller (30) during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28.
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New England Patriots quarterback Behren Morton (15) does a passing drill with running back Jam Miller (30) during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28.
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Football is back! See NFL players in action at training camp
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (1) works with a member of the coaching staff during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28.
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New England Patriots safety Peter Manuma does a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium on July 28.
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy works out during training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility on July 27 in Santa Clara, California.
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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey works out during training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, California, on July 27.
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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throws the ball during training camp workouts at Loyola Marymount University on July 27.
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Myles Garrett of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the training camp workouts at Loyola Marymount University on July 27.
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Running back Jeremiyah Love – the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft – carries the ball during Arizona Cardinals training camp on July 26.
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Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson participates in a team practice at State Farm Stadium on July 26 in Glendale, Arizona.
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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) practices during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 26.
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Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (72) works out during the first day of training camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Washington, on July 25.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) goes through drills during the first day of training camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Washington, on July 25.
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Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes walks toward the practice field at Missouri Western State University on July 25 in St Joseph, Missouri.
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Rodgers is entering his 22nd NFL season in 2026 and his second with the Steelers. The longtime NFL vet started 16 of Pittsburgh’s 17 games last year – he missed out on playing the Chicago Bears because of a hand injury – in his 21st season in the NFL. His efforts helped lead Pittsburgh to a 10-7 record and a division title in 2025 before another early playoff exit.
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Rodgers announced his intentions to return to the NFL on May 18. He will make his first start of the 2026 season against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aaron Rodgers says his wife helped him reunite with his family
