Aaron Rodgers: Long-term health an important consideration in eventual retirement decision

Over the last year, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not shied away from public comments about life after the NFL.

Just last week, Rodgers said he "wouldn't rule out" retirement this offseason, even though the Packers (13-3) clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC and Rodgers is the presumptive favorite to win his fourth NFL MVP award, which would be his second in a row.

Tuesday, in his regular appearance on the "Pat McAfee Show," Rodgers, 38, indicated that his his health will be one of the determining factors in deciding when it is time to retire.

"I've given a lot of my life to this game," Rodgers said on the show. "I didn't start playing until eighth grade and obviously played four years in high school, played three years in college, now in my 17th (in Green Bay). At some point, the ride stops and you got to get off. You want to, I think, still be able to play, still be able to walk, be able to have cognitive brain function when you're done playing — those are important."

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Rodgers has completed 68.6% of his passes for 3,977 yards with 35 touchdowns against only four interceptions this season.

Rodgers, who served as a guest host of the popular quiz show "Jeopardy!" and said he would take the gig if offered, said Tuesday that he's not considering a future in sports media

"I've really been trying, this year, to stay in the present," Rodgers continued. "I know it's hard because people want to talk about my future and what I want to do. And I respect that and appreciate that. For me, I can't have two feet in the past, living in the nostalgia of what we have accomplished, memories, or two feet in the future, thinking about the decisions that are looming moving forward. I have just tried to stay in the present and that has allowed me to enjoy the little things."

Rodgers made an appearance on ESPN's ManningCast of Monday night's Browns-Steelers game. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger — who entered the NFL in 2004, one year before Rodgers did — hasn't confirmed any potential intention to retire, though he did indicate that Monday's game would likely be his last in Heinz Field. On the "Pat McAfee Show," Rodgers praised Roethlisberger, former Giants quarterback Eli Manning and former Lions running back Barry Sanders for playing their entire careers with one team.

"If you remember, when (Sanders) retired, he had like a little note: 'Hey, guys, it was fun, thanks, I'm out,' " Rodgers said. "I always thought how cool that was. He loved the game, but he never was bigger than the game. That's a great way to do it. I think to get the fanfare and respect like Ben did last night at Heinz Field was awesome as well. He deserves that. ... There's some positives to both those things, but I would never want a farewell tour. That has worked for some guys and has been great and cool, but that's not something I want."

Green Bay is facing the 2-13-1 Detroit Lions on Sunday, a game that is meaningless for the Packers and their playoff standing, but Rodgers said the plan is for starters to play at least some of the game.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aaron Rodgers: Long-term health key in eventual retirement decision