Aaron Rodgers’ next NFL move remains one of the league’s biggest question marks. The four-time MVP has yet to declare whether he’ll return in 2025, possibly to Pittsburgh, where speculation has lingered for weeks.
But as Rodgers takes his time deciding, criticism about both his play and his personal life has surfaced. And on a recent podcast appearance, longtime friend and ESPN host Pat McAfee made it clear: he’s not here for the slander.
McAfee torches Rodgers’ haters
McAfee took to the Footbahlin podcast with Ben Roethlisberger to address the swirling narratives around Rodgers.
From discussions about the quarterback’s fractured family relationships to questions about his lifestyle, McAfee didn’t hold back in defending his friend.
“People bury him, you know, for the no family, no kids thing,”McAfee said.
“But that’s because he’s a baller.”
Rodgers, who made headlines with his introspective appearance in Netflix’s Aaron Rodgers: Enigma, has long drawn attention for his spiritual pursuits and non-traditional approach to fame and football.
The documentary peeled back layers of his personal life, ayahuasca retreats, estrangement from family, and reflections on the cost of celebrity.
Some critics labeled him aloof or self-involved, but McAfee sees it differently.
“He’s a hippie for sure,” he said.
“Just a different kind of dude.”
McAfee also pushed back on rumors that Rodgers might reveal his NFL plans on The Pat McAfee Show.
“Aaron Rodgers is not on the docket,” he confirmed.
“So I would like everyone to know that.”
While Rodgers has frequently joined the show during NFL seasons, McAfee emphasized that no announcement is imminent.
A potential move to the Steelers continues to hang in the air, but as Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio pointed out, Rodgers may be waiting to see if Pittsburgh drafts a quarterback before committing.
That uncertainty only adds to the intrigue surrounding one of the NFL’s most enigmatic stars.
“Everybody’s like, ‘Pat, you know Aaron better than anybody.’ That’s not true-A.J. Hawk probably knows Aaron better than anybody,”McAfee added.
“And A.J. thinks Aaron’s still playing-doesn’t think he’ll be able to give the game up.”
For now, fans wait, just like the Steelers.
But if McAfee’s confidence is any indication, Rodgers isn’t finished yet.
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