Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has said he hopes to be starting a family with his wife within the next year, as he approaches what may be his final NFL season. The 42-year-old, who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers ahead of a campaign beginning next Sunday, made the comments in a SiriusXM interview, framing fatherhood and quieter home life as priorities once his playing career ends.

Speaking on "Mad Dog Radio," Rodgers said he hoped to be "supporting my pregnant wife" around this time next year, having spent 22 seasons in the pros and three in college. He linked his growing enthusiasm for starting a family to reconnecting with relatives after a period of estrangement, saying time spent as "Uncle Aaron" with his brother's children has made him and his wife more eager to have children of their own. Rodgers, who has largely kept his wife out of the public eye, described her as a "private person."