Author of new book on Aaron Rodgers outlines how QB became a 'bad guy all of a sudden' after major PR disaster
Aaron Rodgers had an almost immaculate reputation. He stood up against racism and threw his weight behind Colin Kaepernick and once, when a fan yelled an anti-Muslim slur during the national anthem, he chastised them. Rodgers even got a letter from then-President Brack Obama, who thanked him for doing it.
But during Covid things took a turn for the worse. In his new book "Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers," author Ian O'Connor, who spoke to the four-time Pro Bowler himself, spoke about his biggest PR blunder.
In August 2021, when asked by reporters if he had taken the Covid vaccine, Rodgers lied to them, saying that he had. Then when the truth got out that he had not taken the vaccine, his reputation took a major hit.
"Aaron used to get praised for being on the right side of social issues, and then all of a sudden, he became a bad guy. But I do think that good guy is still there." (2:01 - 2:09)
Aaron Rodgers also admitted to him that he really regretted making that statement. The author recounted:
"I did say to him, 'Why didn’t you tell the truth that day you were asked if you were vaccinated?' And he effectively said, 'Yeah, I should have done that.' He feels like he gave critics the one thing they really still have on him today. That was such a major public relations hit for him to absorb, and I don't think, JB, he's recovered from that." (1:26 - 1:44)
However, now Rodgers tries to stay away from the media and from making headlines as much as he can. However, in September 2023, he was all over the media for his torn Achilles. It saw him miss out on his debut for the New York Jets that year.
Why did Aaron Rodgers choose the New York Jets?
The Jets haven't made it to the playoffs since 1969. Aaron Rodgers could've easily gone with a team that has been more successful in recent times. Breaking down Rodgers' thought process, the author said:
"People said, 'Well, why the Jets? They haven't been to the Super Bowl since January of 1969.' But it's a great opportunity for him. Winning a championship in New York, if he can pull it off—and it's going to be a very difficult task—would dramatically enhance his historical standing in the sport. I think that would be the biggest New York sports story of my lifetime." (0:33 - 0:55)
With the franchise set to face off against the San Francisco 49ers today, can Rodgers change the Jets' fortunes?