49ers HC Kyle Shanahan Expresses ‘Strong’ Feelings About Aaron Rodgers Potentially Signing With San Francisco 49ers’ Rival: “If He Betrays Us Then…”
Santa Clara, CA – May 20, 2025 – Just when the NFC West thought it had seen it all, a thunderclap of controversy has struck the heart of the Bay Area. Rumors are swirling that Aaron Rodgers, the polarizing Hall of Fame-bound quarterback, may be eyeing a deal with one of the 49ers’ biggest rivals — and head coach Kyle Shanahan is not staying silent.
At a press conference this morning, Shanahan addressed the media with an uncharacteristic edge in his tone. When asked about Rodgers possibly joining the Seattle Seahawks — longtime rivals of San Francisco — he didn’t hold back.
“I have a lot of respect for what Aaron’s done in this league,” Shanahan said, pausing deliberately. “But if he signs with them? Then we know where his heart truly is. And if he betrays us like that… then he becomes just another enemy. Period.”
Rodgers to the Seahawks? The NFL Shaken Again
Rodgers, a California native and lifelong 49ers admirer, has often been linked to San Francisco — especially after his 2023 exit from the New York Jets. But with Brock Purdy firmly entrenched as the Niners’ starter, a reunion seemed unlikely.
Now, with Rodgers still exploring his options for one final championship run, sources have confirmed that Seattle has shown “strong interest” in bringing him in for a one-year deal — and that Rodgers has “not ruled it out.”
NFL insider Travis Bledsoe dropped a shocking nugget Sunday night on social media:
“Rodgers to the Seahawks? Closer than people think. Let’s just say Levi’s Stadium won’t be happy come Week 12.”
Kyle Shanahan: “This Would Be Personal”
For Shanahan, it’s not just about a divisional foe getting stronger. It’s about something deeper.
“Rodgers knows what this rivalry means. He knows the legacy of the NFC West. If he joins them after everything? That’s personal,” Shanahan said.
“He’s from Chico. He grew up watching Steve Young. Now he wants to wear Seahawks blue? That’s not just business — that’s betrayal.”
Fans in the Bay Area were quick to react, many echoing their coach’s sentiments.
“He wanted to be a Niner, we passed, now he wants revenge? He’s dead to me.” – @FaithfulFran
“If Rodgers comes to Seattle and beats us at Levi’s, I’m deleting this app.” – @BayBleedsRed
A History of Bad Blood
The 49ers-Seahawks rivalry is one of the NFL’s most intense. From the battles between Kaepernick and Wilson, to Richard Sherman’s infamous postgame rant in 2014, the animosity runs deep.
Adding Rodgers — with his Bay Area roots and playoff history — would pour gasoline on an already scorching fire.
And the narrative writes itself: The quarterback San Francisco never drafted. The prodigal son, returning not as a hero, but as a villain.
Rodgers’ Cryptic Silence
Rodgers hasn’t publicly addressed the Seattle rumors. But as usual, he’s fanned the flames with vague philosophical soundbites. During an interview last week, he said:
“Sometimes the journey isn’t about coming home. Sometimes it’s about challenging the idea of what ‘home’ even means.”
That statement, now going viral, has many fans believing Rodgers has already made up his mind — and it’s not in favor of the Niners.
The Fallout Begins
Shanahan’s comments, while measured, mark the first open declaration from inside the 49ers organization about the potential Rodgers move. And they’ve lit a wildfire across the NFL media landscape.
ESPN’s Mina Kimes commented:
“Rodgers to the Seahawks wouldn’t just change the NFC West — it would define it. This would be Favre-to-Vikings level drama, maybe more.”
What Happens Next?
If Rodgers does sign with the Seahawks — or even another NFC West rival like the Rams — the 2025 season is guaranteed to be must-watch TV. And Week 12 at Levi’s Stadium? You might want to get your popcorn ready now.
“If he signs with Seattle,” Shanahan added, “we’ll be ready. He knows what we bring. And we won’t forget.”