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As the Packers prepare for Sunday’s matchup with the Seahawks, their quarterback Aaron Rodgers is dealing with the blowback from his recent vaccine comments.
Rodgers is reportedly “upset” over negative backlash he’s received after his appearance on the “The Pat McAfee Show” last week, when he explained his decision to not get vaccinated against COVID-19. He appeared on the show virtually days after testing positive for coronavirus.
According to People, Rodgers “feels like he just shared his point of view, and now he’s being crucified for it.”
The reigning NFL MVP appeared on his friend McAfee’s show after he was accused of misleading the public over a comment he made in August. Rodgers was asked if he was vaccinated and responded that he was “immunized” against COVID-19, then noting he wouldn’t judge any teammates that did not get vaccinated.
“He knew some people would disagree with him, but he didn’t know that it would become the s–tstorm it became. People who he thought were friends are turning on him,” the outlet reported. “He’s very unhappy with the response to him.”
Almost immediately after Rodgers’ interview with McAfee began, criticism started circulating on social media. Rodgers’ goal of holding off the “woke mob” backfired spectacularly.
Although People isn’t generally a source of NFL news, the outlet covers Rodgers closely due to his engagement with actress Shailene Woodley. He has been in the celebrity spotlight for years due to high-profile relationships
with actress Olivia Munn and former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick.
Instead of getting a vaccine shot against COVID-19, Rodgers said he received an alternative treatment over the summer from his personal doctor to raise his antibody level.
Rodgers claimed he is allergic to an ingredient in the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna), and did not want to receive the Johnson & Johnson shot due to reported side effects.
The quarterback added that he is not an “anti-vax, flat-earther,” but feels he is a “critical thinker,” who “believes strongly in bodily autonomy.”
Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, and is currently isolating at his home in Green Bay.
He could come off the Packers’ COVID-19 list in time for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks, when Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson is set to return from surgery on his finger.
Rodgers’ COVID-19 comments have impacted the 37-year-old off the field. His brand partnership with Prevea Health dropped him over the weekend after working together since 2012.
And while his relationship with State Farm is still in tact, his television ads for the insurance company have been dramatically decreased since his vaccine rant, according to Apex Marketing Group, via USA Today.
In a statement responding to Rodgers’ vaccine comments, State Farm said, “Aaron Rodgers has been a great ambassador for our company for much of the past decade. We don’t support some of the statements that he has made, but we respect his right to have his own personal point of view. We recognize our customers, employees, agents and brand ambassadors come from all walks of life, with differing viewpoints on many issues. Our mission at State Farm is to support safer, stronger communities. To that end, we encourage vaccinations, but respect everyone’s right to make a choice based on their personal circumstances.”
Rodgers missed Sunday’s 13-7 loss to the Chiefs, in which backup Jordan Love struggled. If he tests negative for COVID-19 throughout the week, he could be cleared to rejoin the Packers on Sunday.
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