Will the Steelers allow Aaron Rodgers to wear a number that's unofficially retired?

After months of speculation and silence, Aaron Rodgers has made his decision — he’s headed to the Pittsburgh Steelers just in time for their mandatory veteran minicamp. As fans celebrate the seismic shift, a curious question has emerged in the football world: what number will Rodgers wear in black and gold?

While the image of Rodgers donning a Steelers jersey has already gone viral on social media, it’s the number on that jersey that's stirred up the real buzz. Those nostalgic for his Green Bay Packers era have imagined a No. 12 Rodgers Steelers jersey. But those dreams are likely to remain digital fantasies.

Why No. 12 is almost certainly off the table

Although Pittsburgh hasn’t officially retired Terry Bradshaw’s iconic No. 12, the number is steeped in reverence. Bradshaw, who led the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories and an MVP title in 1978, wore the jersey exclusively during his 14-year career in Pittsburgh. Since his retirement in 1983, no other player has been issued No. 12 — and that’s not likely to change now, especially with Rodgers in town.

Bradshaw has never been shy about voicing his opinions, and he recently made headlines again by dismissing the idea of Rodgers joining the Steelers altogether. “That’s a joke. That to me is just a joke,” he said. “What are you gonna do? Bring him in for one year, are you kidding me? That guy needs to stay in California. Go somewhere and chew on bark and whisper to the gods out there.”


With comments like those, it’s safe to assume Bradshaw wouldn’t be too thrilled about Rodgers being the first to wear No. 12 in more than four decades — and the organization wouldn’t risk disrespecting a legend without his blessing. Even Rodgers himself has shown deference to the greats before. When he joined the New York Jets, Joe Namath offered up his retired No. 12, and Rodgers politely declined.

The logical choice: No. 8 makes a comeback

That leaves Rodgers with a familiar alternative: No. 8. It's the number he wore during his college days at California and later with the Jets after No. 12 was off-limits. Currently, that number belongs to punter Corliss Waitman, but if Rodgers wants it, there’s little doubt an arrangement will be made.

Considering his personal history with the number and the cultural sensitivity around Bradshaw’s legacy, No. 8 makes the most sense. It’s a fresh start, a nod to his past, and a respectful way to enter a storied franchise without stepping on historical toes.

The Steelers, a team known for honoring its legends, have officially retired just three numbers in their long history: No. 32 (Franco Harris), No. 70 (Ernie Stautner), and No. 75 (Joe Greene). But several others, including No. 12, sit in unofficial retirement — hallowed digits kept off the field out of sheer respect.

As Rodgers begins this next chapter in Pittsburgh, he’ll likely leave No. 12 behind once again. And that’s not just about avoiding controversy — it’s about legacy, humility, and understanding the weight some numbers carry.

In all likelihood, fans can expect to see Aaron Rodgers leading the Steelers in 2025 wearing the number that once defined his beginnings — No. 8.

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