Aaron Rodgers, a name synonymous with football excellence, has secured one Super Bowl title and four MVP awards, positioning him as a likely Hall of Fame inductee. Recently, he signed a one-year contract worth $13.6 million with the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking him as the longest-tenured active quarterback in the NFL at 41 years old, following a significant Achilles injury in 2023.
However, his journey off the field has been less straightforward. Rising to fame in the early 2010s, Rodgers became a household name not just for his athletic prowess but also for his relationships with celebrities like Jessica Szohr and Olivia Munn, alongside memorable State Farm commercials. His family dynamics took a public turn when his brother Jordan's appearance on The Bachelorette revealed their estrangement.
In 2021, controversy erupted when Rodgers disclosed his vaccination status regarding Covid-19, igniting debates about his views on health and conspiracy theories. He later shared experiences with psychedelics, describing ayahuasca as a transformative journey.
Despite mixed reactions to his outspoken nature, Rodgers has embraced vulnerability, as seen in the Netflix docuseries Aaron Rodgers: Enigma. “Loving myself better allowed me to share more,” he reflected, emphasizing his desire to discuss topics beyond football.
His recent marriage to Brittani caught many off guard during a press conference, where he casually mentioned tying the knot months prior. Speculation about their relationship had circulated after he was spotted wearing a ring at a public event.
As discussions about retirement loom—Rodgers stated he intends to remain visible for another season—the question of his true character persists. Is he a dedicated leader or an egotistical player? A seeker of truth or a purveyor of conspiracy? His trainer Aaron Alexander describes him as someone who “marches to the beat of his own drum,” while childhood friend Jordan Russell calls him “multifaceted.”
Rodgers’ public persona shifted dramatically in 2021 when he claimed to be “immunized” against Covid-19, later clarifying that he had taken ivermectin due to an allergy. This revelation led to State Farm ending their long-standing advertising partnership with him.
In Ian O’Connor’s biography, Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers, he expressed regret over not being clearer with the media about his stance on vaccinations, asserting that he is not anti-vaccine but rather a critical thinker.
Rodgers has also ventured into discussions about UFOs and made headlines for controversial comments regarding public figures. His friend Adrian Colbert notes that Rodgers is not one to conform simply for acceptance; he stands firm in his beliefs.
His relationships have often been scrutinized, particularly with Munn, who some say contributed to his family rift. After their split, he dated Danica Patrick and was briefly engaged to Shailene Woodley, both relationships ending amid public drama.
Rodgers now seeks privacy in his personal life, stating during an interview that he values discretion for himself and his partner. “I want my personal life to be private,” he explained.
Philanthropically, Rodgers has shown commitment to causes like pediatric cancer research, raising significant funds through initiatives like the MACC Fund. His generosity extends beyond financial contributions; he has been described as approachable and kind during charity events.
O’Connor recalls an instance where Rodgers gifted a new Ford Bronco to a practice-squad player during a holiday exchange, showcasing his willingness to support others without seeking recognition.
Despite negative media portrayals, friends assert that these do not reflect his true character. Russell emphasizes that those close to Rodgers see a different side than what is often reported. “There are two sides to every story,” he remarked.
In Enigma, Rodgers discusses how challenges throughout his career have shaped him. Drafted 24th overall in 2005 after being projected as a top pick, he faced adversity before leading the Packers to a Super Bowl victory.
Alexander notes that Rodgers thrives under pressure and embraces challenges as opportunities for growth. “He lights up when faced with difficulty,” he said.
Rodgers attributes his self-discovery journey to experiences with ayahuasca and retreats aimed at introspection. He described a recent four-day “darkness retreat” where he sought clarity about his future.
His tattoo artist Balazs Bercsenyi reflects on the depth of their conversations during sessions, highlighting Rodgers’ philosophical nature and willingness to explore profound topics.
Rodgers’ quest for knowledge is evident; Russell describes him as an autodidact who engages in discussions often overlooked by others. “He’s always learning,” Russell noted.
Humor remains a vital aspect of Rodgers’ personality. He enjoys playful banter with teammates and is known for quoting classic films during interactions.
Yet skepticism about his authenticity persists. Commentator Skip Bayless argues that Rodgers is adept at self-promotion and media manipulation, suggesting that his marriage announcement was strategically timed to divert attention from questions about aging.
Bayless has criticized both Rodgers’ performance and character, labeling him an egomaniac whose star is fading. He claims that former teammates have expressed dissatisfaction with their experiences playing alongside him.
O’Connor believes Rodgers enjoys keeping people guessing about his intentions and actions. “He likes being talked about,” O’Connor stated, suggesting that this enigmatic quality adds intrigue to both him and the NFL.
Troy Aikman expressed hope for Rodgers’ resurgence with the Steelers this fall, acknowledging the challenges he faced in previous seasons. Aikman supports Rodgers’ willingness to speak out on important issues.
Alexander remains optimistic about Rodgers’ recovery and lifestyle changes post-injury, detailing their comprehensive approach to health and wellness during rehabilitation.
Aikman reflects on the difficulty of retirement decisions for athletes deeply invested in their sport. “Walking away is easier said than done,” he remarked.
Bayless speculates on potential future teams for Rodgers if things don’t work out with the Steelers, indicating that interest in him remains high despite criticisms.
Before joining the Steelers, Rodgers emphasized that his focus would remain on personal matters moving forward. He described his future as “a beautiful mystery,” indicating a desire for privacy once his playing days conclude. “When all this is done, I’m out,” he stated regarding life after football.
For further insights into Aaron Rodgers’ life and career, exclusive content is available in the latest issue of Us Weekly.
