Aaron Rodgers and The Pat McAfee Show go way back. The four-time MVP first appeared in 2020, and since then, he’s been a weekly fixture, dropping unfiltered takes, conspiracy theories, and just enough football talk to keep it interesting. Over 100 appearances later (way more for anyone to keep a tab on that), Rodgers isn’t just a guest—he’s part of the show’s DNA.

But now? The Jets made it clear: if he stayed with the team, his Tuesday McAfee segments were over. For the Jets, it wasn’t just about one interview. New head honcho Chad Alexander wanted a culture reset—one that didn’t revolve around a single player. And let’s be real, Rodgers wasn’t just a quarterback. He was the gravitational pull of the entire organization, dictating everything from offensive schemes to offseason trips.

So, the team laid down the law: no more McAfee, mandatory attendance at all team activities, and a commitment to football first. But would that have even been enough? Not according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. “No matter what the Jets were going to say, Aaron Rodgers wanted to move on.”

So, what does McAfee do in response to all the noise? Issue a fiery monologue? Call out the Jets? Nope. The man posts a beachside snap with his wife, dropping a poetic caption on his Instagram story about chilling, letting the “BS go like an easy breeze,” and being “on a beach like Cena.”

He added: “We cheer, and we chill, cuz it’s what we need… We’ll be 1 with nature, but we might spark THE tea. Can’t wait to read memes, we’ll laughing easily.” Translation? He’s unbothered. And maybe taking a jab at the fact that Rodgers, too, was looking for his own escape.

Rodgers’ departure from New York felt inevitable. The tension had been building since his infamous “unexcused absence” from minicamp last offseason—when he opted for a trip to Egypt instead. The front office wanted more commitment. Rodgers wanted more control. And with the team limping to a 5-12 record last season, something had to give. The Jets didn’t just want a quarterback. They wanted a culture shift. Rodgers wasn’t going to be part of it.

But here’s the kicker—had he agreed to all the Jets’ terms, would he have stayed? Probably not. Sure, it might have delayed the inevitable, but Rodgers is a guy who plays by his own rules. He’s still weighing his next move, but if Jay Glazer’s report is right, “all signs point” to Rodgers suiting up in 2025. Just not in New York.

So, where does this leave McAfee? The show rolls on, with or without Rodgers. But don’t expect McAfee to hold back when the quarterback eventually lands somewhere new.

Aaron Rodgers still looking for that ‘somewhere new’

Once upon a time, Aaron Rodgers in black and gold would’ve been a fever dream for Steelers fans. Now? More like a headache waiting to happen. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor isn’t buying the idea, calling him “a terrible presence in the locker room.” She’s not just talking about his play, either. The weekly Pat McAfee Show appearances, the subtle jabs at teammates, the entourage—Rodgers isn’t just a quarterback. He’s a walking, talking franchise shift.

The Steelers already rolled the dice on one veteran last year with Russell Wilson. Would Rodgers be any different? Pryor doesn’t think so. “Aaron Rodgers isn’t Russell Wilson, but it is a very similar move,” she said. The difference? Rodgers isn’t launching moon balls like Russ, and his consistency has been shaky. Oh, and let’s not forget the drama. If Rodgers lands in Pittsburgh, he’s not coming alone. “You don’t just get Aaron Rodgers the football player. You get Aaron Rodgers and the Pat McAfee appearances weekly.”

And that’s just the start. Rodgers doesn’t just play football—he recruits. In New York, he pulled strings to bring in Davante Adams and Allen Lazard. The Steelers? They’re not exactly the type to hand the keys over to a quarterback, no matter how many MVPs he has. That’s why Pryor calls it “the Aaron Rodgers Multiverse.” You don’t just get a QB. You get an entire ecosystem. And if history is any indication, that system tends to revolve around one person—Rodgers himself.

There’s a football argument to be made, of course. Rodgers wasn’t perfect in 2024, but 28 touchdowns are nothing to scoff at. If he shakes off the rust from missing 2023, he could still be dangerous. But is that enough to justify everything else that comes with him? The Steelers have a no-nonsense locker room. Would they really want to add a quarterback who thrives on controlled chaos?

That’s the gamble. If Rodgers is willing to adapt—and that’s a big if—maybe he finds a home in Pittsburgh. But if the Steelers aren’t looking for a quarterback and a full-blown spectacle, they might be better off sitting this one out. Rodgers is still searching for his next team, but one thing’s for sure: wherever he lands, he won’t be coming quietly.