Sophia Michaels
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Aaron Rodgers, a wealthy NFL quarterback, is known for his impressive career, including 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and a stint with the New York Jets starting in 2023. He is one of the few players to have won the NFL MVP consecutively and has several remarkable records, including an outstanding touchdown-to-interception ratio.
However, in recent times, Rodgers has gained notoriety for his affinity for conspiracy theories, which have overshadowed his athletic achievements. He has made contentious statements about various significant events, including the September 11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores 14 moments that have negatively impacted his public image.
Rodgers’ Misleading Vaccination Claims
In August 2021, during the height of the pandemic, Rodgers claimed he was immunized against COVID-19, which many assumed meant he was vaccinated. However, he later confessed to being deceptive about his true vaccination status.
On “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, Rodgers revealed he had anticipated questions about his vaccination. He believed that by stating he was “immunized,” the media might assume he had received the vaccine without further inquiry. Unfortunately for him, this tactic backfired when he later contracted COVID-19.
Rodgers reflected on this experience, acknowledging the fallout from his misleading statements, stating, “Because now I’m a liar, I’m endangering the community.” This revelation sparked considerable criticism regarding his integrity.
Criticism of the NFL’s COVID-19 Policies
Just before his COVID-19 diagnosis was announced, Rodgers criticized the NFL’s treatment of unvaccinated players during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” He referred to the league’s policies as “Draconian” and claimed they were not scientifically justified.
Rodgers had to undergo daily COVID-19 testing, maintain distance from vaccinated players, wear masks, and mark his status with a yellow wristband—a point of contention for him and other unvaccinated individuals.
Post-infection, he continued to express his discontent over both the COVID-19 protocols and society’s broader response. He described himself as a proponent of personal choice and autonomy regarding health decisions.
Allegations Against Jimmy Kimmel
Aaron Rodgers’ recent remarks have created a rift between him and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Their ongoing verbal disputes highlight the consequences of Rodgers’ earlier dubious claims about his vaccination, affecting his relationships in the entertainment sphere.
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Controversial Remarks from Aaron Rodgers Spark Outcry
In 2024, tensions rose as NFL star Aaron Rodgers insinuated that comedian Jimmy Kimmel had ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein. This occurred during an exchange on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where Rodgers mentioned that several individuals, including Kimmel, would prefer that court documents revealing Epstein’s connections not be disclosed.
In response, Kimmel vehemently denied any association with Epstein, stating via social media that he had never met or communicated with him and challenged Rodgers’ claim as ludicrous. He even threatened legal action if such allegations continued, seemingly putting a halt to Rodgers’ comments on the matter.
Rodgers Claims HIV/AIDS Pandemic Was Man-Made
Aaron Rodgers made headlines again in 2024 when he claimed during a podcast appearance that the HIV/AIDS epidemic was deliberately engineered. He specifically accused Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, of orchestrating the crisis.
Rodgers suggested that the government’s strategy in the 1980s was to create a pandemic and insisted that Fauci had received substantial funding to find solutions for AIDS but only produced one drug, AZT. He implied that there was a deliberate agenda, paralleling it with contemporary health issues, which elicited significant backlash for lacking credible evidence.
Allegations of Sandy Hook Conspiracy Theories
Rodgers faced serious accusations in 2024 when reports surfaced about his alleged claims that the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting was an inside job. This tragic event led to the deaths of 20 children and six adults, shocking the nation.
CNN journalist Pamela Brown alleged that Rodgers expressed conspiracy theories around the Sandy Hook tragedy, suggesting it was a setup by the government. When questioned about evidence, he referenced debunked theories. After these allegations became public, he took to social media to deny ever doubting the event’s reality and offered condolences to the victims’ families.
Rodgers Links JFK Jr.’s Death to Political Figures
In yet another instance of controversial remarks, Aaron Rodgers in 2024 controversially connected the plane crash that killed John F. Kennedy Jr. and his family to Hillary Clinton. His assertion added to his growing list of conspiracy theories, sparking further outrage and debate around his statements.
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During an episode of the “I Can Fly” podcast, New York Jets player Aaron Rodgers discussed Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent presidential run. He expressed concerns for Kennedy’s safety, citing the tragic losses in his family, including his uncle JFK and his father RFK. Rodgers mentioned, “It’s strange that these events occur, and it raises questions about Bobby’s safety. He’s risking a lot because he truly believes in our country.” NBC Sports reported on this.
Reports suggested that Rodgers was considered for a role as Robert Kennedy’s running mate, but the position ultimately went to Nicole Shanahan. However, his understanding of Kennedy’s political moves wasn’t completely accurate. Kennedy once contemplated running against Hillary Clinton for Senate but decided it wasn’t the right time.
