If Aaron Rodgers comes back in 2025, he might look completely different—and it’s not just about the uniform

Aaron Rodgers could be stepping into the 2025 NFL season with more than just a new team — the future Hall of Fame quarterback will also need to adjust to a new helmet. The league has officially banned his current headgear, the Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD, as part of a larger safety initiative. As the NFL sharpens its focus on reducing head injuries, seven helmet models have been phased out — including the one Rodgers has trusted since 2019.

The NFL’s decision comes on the heels of promising data that shows a 17% decrease in concussions during the 2024 season compared to the previous year. Rodgers, however, is no stranger to adapting. Having already made a switch in 2019, after nearly a decade of using the same model, he embraced change once before and likely won’t flinch this time around.

“It’s not difficult at all,” Rodgers had remarked during his previous transition. “I’ve worn very similar helmets my entire career. I changed after [2010], when I had two concussions, to a safer one. I was wearing the one like Favrey (Brett Favre) was wearing for so long. That was a little outdated, probably... I knew coming in I was going to have to change.”
While this gear change is straightforward, Rodgers' next team is still a question mark. At 41, he remains a free agent after a disappointing stint with the New York Jets. Though retirement is still a possibility, the belief around the league is that Rodgers isn't ready to hang it up just yet. Teams are keeping close tabs.

One organization in particular appears to be a strong contender: the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodgers reportedly spent a day at their facility recently, and the experience left a strong impression. “It was a really good day,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin shared. “I really wanted to spend more of our time just getting to know him better and things that he values as a player and a man, and what he might be looking for with his next stop.”
Tomlin remained tight-lipped about further developments but confirmed that the Steelers are actively exploring all quarterback options — both through free agency and the draft. “It is free agency, it is a process, and I have nothing of any more significance to add other than that,” he added.
Elsewhere, the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints may also emerge as contenders, especially with Derek Carr’s shoulder issues creating uncertainty in New Orleans. Whether Rodgers opts to suit up for one final run or calls it a career, his next steps — both in equipment and team — are being watched with keen interest across the NFL landscape.
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