Only weeks ago, Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby was calling for Aaron Rodgers to join him in Nevada while predicting a huge season for the quarterback.
Now, he thinks the 41-year-old Rodgers has played his last game in the NFL.
In a stunning admission on his podcast ‘The Rush’, Crosby says the the former New York Jets signal caller is going to quit football amid his apparent standoff with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rodgers visited the Steelers earlier in March as he weighs his options up. He was also considering a move to the New York Giants, who instead swooped for Russell Wilson earlier this week.
And Crosby thinks it means that one of the all-time greats of the game is about to leave for good.
‘I think he retires,’ he said. ‘I think he retires. I think the fact he is not with Davante (Adams – one of his favored wide receivers), he is not very familiar with Pittsburgh I just, I don’t know, I feel like he retires.
Maxx Crosby thinks Aaron Rodgers is going to retire soon instead of join Pittsburgh Steelers
‘He’s about 42 now (Rodgers is 42 in December). I would like that, I feel like it makes sense – him going to the Steelers.
‘They need a quarterback, they need a guy who is a vet, a proven dude but I just don’t know, I just don’t see that as a thing. I don’t see him in a Pittsburgh uniform. My brain just can’t put that together.
‘I think it is good for the league if Rodgers is playing, regardless. I’m a fan of Rodgers. I respect the hell out of him, I think he’s an incredible player.
‘But I feel like the universe is speaking to me. I just can’t see him in that uniform and he is being weirdly quiet for a reason. I feel like he is going to retire, that is my bold prediction.’
Rodgers was cut by the Jets after Aaron Glenn took over as head coach earlier this year.
The organization has since signed Justin Fields to be its quarterback for 2025.
Rodgers was also linked with the Minnesota Vikings but they appear set on going with JJ McCarthy as their starter as they plan ahead for the new season.
Crosby, meanwhile, signed a new Raiders contract worth $106.5million in March.
Keeping the defensive end in Vegas has been a key part of an overhaul led by Tom Brady.
The Raiders have also appointed Pete Carroll as head coach and traded for Geno Smith as its quarterback – instead of following Crosby’s desire to play with Rodgers.