Why Aaron Rodgers publicly addressed his sexuality

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“I’ll just say I’m not gay – I really, really like women.” That was Aaron Rodgers’ response during a 2013 episode of ESPN Milwaukee’s Tuesdays With Aaron, which dismissed swirling rumors about his sexuality. Fast forward a decade, and the 40-year-old New York Jets quarterback sheds light on why he felt compelled to address those whispers in the first place.

“I think I was upset by the framing (of the rumour) because it was meant to shame the idea of ​​being gay and I have so many friends who are gay in the community,” Rodgers explained to Ian O’Connor in an interview. for the new biography of the author, Out of the Dark: The Aaron Rodgers Mystery. “And even before that, (Jason Wilde) and I had talked about it a few times and said, ‘I want to go after them, people are saying that.’

The professional football legend went on to admit that he “could (not) give a shit” what people think of him, but his main issue was how the rumors perpetuated negative stigmas about homosexuality rather than the personal implications . for him.

“I say, say whatever you want about me, but do you understand that these people are using this to shame the idea of ​​being gay? It’s disrespectful to all my friends who are in the community who don’t think it’s a choice,” he said. “They made it seem like you’re shaming people for being gay, when a lot of them, if you ask them, didn’t ask for that life. “This is who I am.”

Rodgers is no stranger to controversy; in November 2021, he was excluded after testing positive for COVID-19, unvaccinated due to allergies to vaccine ingredients, sparking widespread debate.

Following the 2013 interview, the four-time NFL MVP didn’t just make headlines for his stance on sensitive issues; he also attracted attention for his high-profile romances, charming a number of Hollywood celebrities. From his relationship with actress Olivia Munn from 2014 to 2017, to his run of love with Danica Patrick from 2018 to 2020, and finally his engagement to actress Shailene Woodley, which ended in 2022, Rodgers has been as active on the meeting scene as he is on the field.

Most recently, the former Green Bay Packer quarterback was spotted with Mallory Edens, the daughter of Milwaukee Bucks majority owner Wes Edens. A source said People in January 2023, that the two are “more than friends, but it’s casual.”