Aaron Rodgers may retire after stunning loss to 49ers

Aaron Rodgers
(Image credit: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers 13-10 Saturday night, knocking the Packers out of the playoffs and potentially marking an ignominious end to Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers' career, The New York Post reported.

The Packers delivered one of the "worst special teams performances in postseason history," per the Post, allowing the 49ers to successfully block a field goal and a punt, the latter of which they returned for a touchdown.

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"I'm very proud of what I've been able to accomplish here, deeply thankful for so many years here and all the incredible teammates and coaches I've had," the 38-year-old Rodgers said after the game. "Man, so much gratitude for this city and this organization, such a long career here."

He also described feeling "numb" and "heartbroken," but said he felt he could still "play at a high level" and that the decision to retire or not would be "tough."

The Washington Post reported that Green Bay is going into the offseason $44.8 million over the NFL's salary cap. Replacing Rodgers, who according to Sports Illustrated is paid an average of $33.5 million per season, with a younger, less expensive quarterback could free up some much-needed funds.

Rodgers has played for Green Bay since 2005. In 2010, he led the team to victory in Super Bowl XLV.

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Grayson Quay

Grayson Quay was the weekend editor at TheWeek.com. His writing has also been published in National Review, the Pittsburgh Post-GazetteModern AgeThe American ConservativeThe Spectator World, and other outlets. Grayson earned his M.A. from Georgetown University in 2019.