Next Sunday marks the potential beginning of what might be Aaron Rodgers’ final season in the NFL. The accomplished quarterback signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the offseason. While his retirement has been a topic of much speculation, new insights have emerged about his life prospects beyond football.

The 42-year-old athlete seems focused on starting a family once he exits the professional scene. Rodgers shared with SiriusXM that he and his wife aim to be embarking on this journey by the same time next year.

“I’m hopefully going to be supporting my pregnant wife because we’re going to start a family and I am not going to be making a lot of appearances or statements,” Rodgers told SiriusXM’s ‘Mad Dog Radio.’ “And I’m looking forward to a life of quiet after 22 years in the pros and three in college and getting my body healed up and working on a family. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”

When asked if he’s merely contemplating the future or suggesting more imminent changes, Rodgers commented on his aspirations. “I’m talking about I’m hoping that I have a pregnant wife by next [year] this time,” he stated.

The quarterback’s reflections on family life corresponded with a recent reconciliation with family members after years of distance. Rodgers acknowledged that this reconnection had fueled his aspirations to start his own family, with interactions with his brother’s children playing a key role.

“I’m definitely excited about it,” he said. “I mean, being back in my family’s lives, I’m having a lot of fun being Uncle Aaron. I have a few godkids that I’m involved with, but being Uncle Aaron to my brother’s kids has been a lot of fun.”

An increase in family engagement has heightened enthusiasm for fatherhood alongside his wife. Rodgers expressed dedication toward experiencing every aspect of parenting, from sleepless nights to the everyday responsibilities of caring for a child.

“And the more I’m around them, the more I get excited, and so does the wife, about having some of our own,” he continued. “So, I’m excited for that. I can’t wait for that next chapter of life and all that that entails, and sleepless nights and crying babies and changing diapers and all those things, I’m looking forward to all of it.”

Since marrying, Rodgers has chosen to keep his wife’s life private, acknowledging her preference for privacy. His focus on family comes at a poignant time in his accomplished career.