Aaron Rodgers has finally opened up on his pensive stroll along a Malibu beach after he was captured looking downcast last month amid speculation over his NFL future.

DailyMail.com exclusively obtained pH๏τos of the free-agent quarterback walking alone at sunset on the Pacific Coast just 24 hours before he was officially released by the New York Jets on March 12.

A shoeless Rodgers cut a despondent figure as he stared out to the ocean with earphones in and a blanket wrapped around him, leading many to ᴀssume he was weighing up whether to retire or play on for another season at that exact moment.

However, after making a surprise return to ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, he revealed that was not entirely the case.

McAfee first showed Rodgers one of the pH๏τos of his beach moment before asking how much football is on his mind at the moment.

‘It’s a small percentage, because conversations have been had,’ the 41-year-old said. ‘There’s no more contemplation. I’m taking care of my people right now and taking care of my personal life responsibilities, and I’m keeping the conversations open as well. 

Aaron Rodgers has finally opened up on his pensive stroll along a Malibu beach last month

What are you listening to on that beach @AaronRodgers12 😂😂 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Gs4WwnTlft

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 17, 2025 Read MoreBREAKING NEWS Aaron Rodgers attacks Aaron Glenn as he opens up on New York Jets exit

He then clarified: ‘What I listened to on the beach? Mostly Alan Watts speeches.’

Instead of taking in some music or a podcast, Rodgers says he was appreciating the work of Watts – the British-born American writer, philosopher and lecturer widely considered one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.

The four-time MVP went on to admit he is still yet to make up his mind on what to do next, despite recently going to visit Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. 

As well as the Steelers, the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants had been linked with moves for Rodgers, though the latter team is now out of the running after snapping up another veteran free agent in Russell Wilson.

Despite interest from various teams, he went on to tell McAfee that retirement is still very much an option.

‘I told every single one of the teams, it ain’t about the money. I said I’ll play for $10million. Whatever,’ Rodgers said. 

‘I’m open to anything and attached to nothing. Retirement could still be a possibility. Focus on personal life.’

The former Super Bowl champion, who went 5-12 in a disastrous 2024 season with the Jets before leaving New York, maintained that he had no intention of holding any team ‘hostage’ as he claimed he had been continuously candid with NFL franchises about his private life. 

Rodgers told Pat McAfee he was listening to influential speeches by Alan Watts at the time

The 41-year-old quarterback is still weighing up his future after being released by the Jets 

Rodgers insisted he had been upfront during discussions with teams about the current non-football related issues dictating his attention. 

He confirmed that he had held a ‘great conversation’ with Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who he described as having a ‘beautiful football mind.’ 

The NFL veteran also admitted to having worked out with the Steelers as he revealed he hasn’t closed off a path to Pittsburgh just yet. 

‘This entire time, I haven’t felt like I owed anybody a decision at any point,’ Rodgers stressed.

‘I’ve said listen, if you need to move on and do something, love and respect. But there’s been no ᴅᴇᴀᴅline. I’ve talked to Mike T [Tomlin] many times.’