Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has confirmed the 2026 season will definitively be his last in the NFL as he arrived for his 22nd training camp on Tuesday.
The 42-year-old veteran reported to the team’s facility in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and immediately shut down speculation about a potential extension to his career.
“No. Zero debate. Zero,” the four-time MVP said when asked if he might reconsider.
Metcalf suggests change of heart
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf had earlier told local media he was not ruling anything out regarding his team-mate’s future.
“People just say things at the beginning of the year, not knowing how a year could go,” Metcalf said.
“He may not even get hit or touched this year and may say, ‘Hey, let’s go out there and do another one’.”
However, the highly decorated signal-caller dismissed the suggestion that an injury-free campaign could tempt him to play on.
A meaningful final chapter
The impending retirement holds special significance for Pittsburgh head coach Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy previously coached the legendary passer for 13 seasons at the Green Bay Packers, a partnership that began during the player’s second NFL season in 2005.
“When you get to that point in life and you get into the fourth quarter of a career, you do reflect,” McCarthy said.
“I think it’s super cool that I get to line up with him one more time.”
Despite the finality of the upcoming season, the former Super Bowl champion admitted his return to the St. Vincent College dormitories felt surprisingly normal.
“Last year it felt way more dramatic to me, like it’s my last arrival to training camp,” Rodgers explained.
“This year it doesn’t feel anything, I’m just happy to be out here with the guys.”
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter has agreed a historic four-year contract extension worth up to $160m, making him the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history.
The landmark deal guarantees $106m to the 25-year-old and carries an unprecedented average annual value of $38m, surpassing all previous defensive interior contracts.
Representatives Drew Rosenhaus and Jason Rosenhaus confirmed the historic agreement, which secures their client’s future in Pennsylvania through the 2031 season.
Rapid rise to defensive dominance
The highly disruptive lineman has earned Pro Bowl selections in each of the past two campaigns, quickly establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Philadelphia defence.
Across his first three professional seasons, the powerful interior rusher has accumulated 13.5 sacks, 37 quarterback hits and 108 total tackles.
The franchise had already exercised his fifth-year rookie option for the 2027 season earlier this year, signalling a clear long-term commitment before negotiating this lucrative new package.
Setting a new market standard
Securing such an astronomical average annual value emphatically resets the financial landscape for defensive tackles across the entire league.
Elite interior linemen are increasingly viewed as foundational franchise pieces, and this massive financial investment reflects the modern premium placed on central pass-rushing abilities.
Mia Bieniemy, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, has been hospitalized with serious injuries after being shot at their Virginia home on Sunday night.
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office confirmed deputies responded to the residence in Ashburn at 19:32 local time following reports of an emergency.
Spokesperson Leah Pau stated that an individual was being treated for severe injuries, though authorities initially declined to publicly identify the victim.
Sources have since confirmed to ESPN that the casualty is the 57-year-old spouse of the veteran NFL coach.
Training camp absence and team response
Prior to the tragic event, Eric Bieniemy had been attending the franchise’s second practice of training camp at the Missouri Western State campus in St. Joseph.
Kansas City officials subsequently released a brief statement acknowledging the serious situation surrounding their offensive play-caller.
“We are aware of the incident involving Eric Bieniemy’s family,” the statement read, with the organisation declining to provide further details out of respect for the family’s privacy.
Return to the Kansas City sideline
The distressing news comes as the highly regarded coach begins his second stint directing the Kansas City offense.
He rejoined the organisation earlier this year, having previously masterminded the team’s attacking unit during a highly successful period between 2018 and 2022.
Former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is evaluating a return to the NFL following a rigorous training programme, according to head coach Sean McVay.
The legendary pass rusher retired in March 2024 after an illustrious 10-season career, but could reverse his decision ahead of the upcoming campaign.
McVay revealed that the three-time Defensive Player of the Year is currently testing his body to see if he can still handle the intense physical demands of professional football.
Garrett trade sparks comeback thoughts
Speculation regarding a potential comeback intensified after the Californian franchise acquired Myles Garrett in a blockbuster June trade.
The Rams coach initially contacted his former star for an opinion on the Garrett deal, which naturally led to discussions about a formidable partnership on the defensive line.
“I did not ever really think this would be something, but I’m not going to sit here and act like I’m not excited about the possibility of it,” McVay admitted.
If the future Hall of Famer decides he is ready to step back onto the gridiron, the organisation has confirmed they will do everything possible to facilitate his reinstatement.
Training camp gets underway
The surprising revelation regarding the defensive stalwart came during the opening day of training camp at Loyola Marymount University.
McVay also provided updates on his wider squad, confirming that wide receiver Puka Nacua is expected to participate fully in practice as he enters the final season of his rookie contract.
Meanwhile, left tackle Alaric Jackson will be present at camp while the team continues to gather information regarding an ongoing legal situation.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan will be limited at the start of training camp after sustaining significant injuries in a mid-July car crash.
The offensive mastermind suffered a broken nose, three fractured ribs, a broken hand and a severe concussion following a collision with an SUV near his California home.
He also required more than 40 stitches to his face but was released from a local hospital later that same day.
Police confirm no citations issued
Palo Alto law enforcement confirmed that neither drugs nor alcohol were involved in the incident.
Authorities stated that both drivers cooperated fully with the investigation and no citations were issued.
With the team’s first pre-season practice scheduled for Sunday, doctors have mandated that all concussion symptoms must subside before he receives full medical clearance.
Foerster to assume interim duties
Assistant head coach Chris Foerster will step up to handle primary managerial responsibilities during this recovery period.
General manager John Lynch is expected to provide further updates during a scheduled news conference this weekend.
A formal statement from the franchise expressed gratitude to the emergency personnel who provided immediate care at the scene.
‘Coach Shanahan will participate in team activities on a limited basis at the start of training camp while he recovers.’
Approaching a historic milestone
The upcoming 2026 campaign marks his tenth year in charge of the Bay Area organisation.
This tenure ties the legendary Bill Walsh for the longest managerial reign in the history of the franchise.
He currently sits third on the team’s all-time wins list with 82 regular-season victories, needing just 11 more to surpass Walsh for second place.
San Francisco officially open their new NFL season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on 10 September.
The New England Patriots have offered Christian Gonzalez a long-term contract that would make him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
Speaking ahead of the team’s first training camp practice in Foxborough, owner Robert Kraft confirmed the historic proposal on Saturday.
The billionaire owner revealed that the prospective agreement would also represent the most lucrative deal in the franchise’s history.
“We love Christian Gonzalez. We love him as a player, as a person, and that’s why we’ve made an offer to him to make him the highest-paid player to ever play that position in the NFL,” Kraft said.
Setting the market
Contracts for elite defensive backs have surged recently, with average yearly salaries now comfortably exceeding the $30m mark.
The Los Angeles Rams currently set the benchmark after signing Trent McDuffie to a four-year, $124m deal in March.
The former first-round pick is eligible for an extension for the first time, having originally been selected 17th overall by New England.
With two years remaining on his current rookie deal, the talented defensive standout is scheduled to earn a base salary of $2.26m this season.
Ongoing negotiations
The highly-rated defender shares representation with Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who is concurrently eligible for his own mammoth extension.
Head coach Mike Vrabel openly acknowledged the business realities surrounding his star player as preparations for the new campaign began.
“Contract negotiations are ongoing between the club and his agents,” Vrabel stated.
“I’m excited about having Christian back here with us and the impact that he can make on our football team, and I really enjoy the person, enjoy the player.”
Despite the shared agency, the Patriots boss dismissed any notion that the two negotiations are linked.
“I don’t think they have anything to do with one another. We’re not negotiating with the Seahawks; we’re negotiating with Christian’s representatives,” he added.
Former NFL offensive lineman and Super Bowl champion Jordan Devey has died by suicide at the age of 38.
The versatile professional enjoyed a seven-year career in American football, representing five different franchises across the league.
He achieved the sport’s ultimate prize in February 2015, securing a championship ring with the New England Patriots.
During his tenure in the professional ranks, the guard and tackle made 44 regular-season appearances, including 21 starts.
Heartbreaking tributes paid to devoted father
Devey’s wife, Linsey, announced the tragic news on social media on what would have been the couple’s 15th wedding anniversary.
“We brought four beautiful children into this world that have your eyes, freckles, and compassion.”
“You were our hero and our hearts ache in your absence. We love you. We miss you. And as you said in your last words to me, ‘we’ll talk soon.'”
A fundraising campaign established to assist the grieving family with mounting medical and immediate financial expenses has already surpassed $90,000.
A lasting community legacy
Beyond his elite sporting achievements, the 38-year-old was a dedicated high school coach who heavily inspired the next generation of young athletes.
The former Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers player spent countless hours volunteering his time to mentor students at Eagle High School.
“He was deeply loved by the players who saw him as a mentor, role model, and friend,” a statement on the family’s fundraising page read.
“His commitment to uplifting those around him extended far beyond sports, as he faithfully served in his church, offering support, counsel, and friendship to anyone in need.”
NFL journey across the United States
After initially establishing himself in the demanding sport, the powerful lineman also spent time on the rosters of both the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders.
His sudden passing has generated an immense outpouring of support and condolences from the wider American football community.
Anyone affected by the issues raised in this article can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States, or access dedicated international mental health support services.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been fully cleared for training camp following extensive rehabilitation for torn knee ligaments suffered last December.
The franchise quarterback arrived at Missouri Western State’s campus this week after receiving the green light from both team medical staff and his surgeon, Dr Dan Cooper.
He will now participate fully in 11-on-11 team repetitions to lead the first-team offence throughout the summer.
“I feel stronger than I’ve ever felt, as far as strength and lifting,” Mahomes said.
“I feel amazing, I’m excited just to be able to play football.”
Targeting opening night return
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed there are no plans to limit the star passer’s usual workload during the upcoming practice sessions.
The Kansas City signal-caller has made it his primary objective to start the season opener against the Denver Broncos on 14 September.
Before taking the field, he successfully demonstrated his ability to run, cut and change direction to ensure he can safely protect himself in the pocket.
He will continue to wear a black brace and compression sleeve on his left leg throughout the gruelling training camp programme.
Testing the joint in practice
For the first time since his injury, the offensive leader will line up alongside key weapons including Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice and Kenneth Walker III.
The playmaker intends to use these vital practice repetitions to sharpen his decision-making and improve his movement from behind the line of scrimmage.
“I want Reid to call plays like we’re going to call it in the regular season,” he added.
“That’s going to be the best way for me to prepare myself, I want to go out there and test the knee.”
The Chiefs’ hierarchy will monitor his progress closely before deciding whether he will feature in their opening two pre-season fixtures.