AARON Rodgers will have to make a big equipment change if he returns to playing in 2025.
The 41-year-old quarterback has been linked with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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But he could yet choose to retire after two decades in the NFL.
If Rodgers is back on the field this fall, he’ll have to find a new helmet model.
The NFL banned the protective headwear he has worn since 2019.
Rodgers used the Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD model.
But that item along with six other helmets were banned by the NFL.
The quarterback was forced to find a new model in 2019 after his previous helmet was banned.
“It’s not difficult at all,” Rodgers said at the time.
“I was wearing the one like Brett Favre was wearing for so long.
“That was a little outdated, probably, and then I think around that time when the CBA got signed, they had some better regulations about the safety quality of the helmets, and I’ve just kind of been up to date for years.
“Last year, my helmet — because there’s been such advancements in helmet safety — my helmet was in the not-as-safe category but anybody wearing that got one more year to find a new helmet.
“I knew coming in I was going to have to change.”
Rodgers has yet to decide whether he will be back wearing a helmet on Sundays.
He was let go by the New York Jets after two disastrous years with the team.
And the four-time MVP has been a free agent since March.
He has been linked with the Minnesota Vikings as well as the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Rodgers spent a day at the Steelers facility last month.
Pittsburgh is preparing for the NFL Draft while waiting for Rodgers’ decision.
We’re still evaluating the acquisition of a guy at the position (quarterback),” head coach Mike Tomlin said.
“Whether it’s free agency and/or the draft, we’re doing our due diligence communicating with some free agents.
“We’re also preparing for the draft.
“It’s been reported that he (Rodgers) spent a day with us, and it was a really good day.
“Specifically, he and I obviously have known of each other for some time.
“It was really good to spend some time together and get to know each other more intimately.
“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.
“But it is free agency, it is a process, and I have nothing of any more significance to add other than that.”
