Aaron Rodgers once famously declared, “I’m just going to say I’m not gay — I really, really like women,” during a 2013 chat on ESPN Milwaukee’s Tuesdays With Aaron, swiftly batting away speculation about his sexuality. Now, at 40 years old and playing for the New York Jets, he’s opening up about the deeper reasons behind his need to clear the air.
In a recent interview with Ian O’Connor for the biography Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers, he explained, “I was upset with the framing [of the rumor] because it was meant to shame the idea of being gay. I have so many gay friends in the community.” He even mentioned wanting to confront those spreading the rumors directly.
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Rodgers emphasized that his indifference to public opinion stemmed from a concern for the stigmatization surrounding being gay rather than any personal offense. “I’m like, say anything you want about me, but do you understand these people are using this to shame the idea of being gay? That’s just disrespectful to all my friends who don’t believe that it’s a choice,” he asserted, reinforcing the importance of accepting one’s identity.
This isn’t the first time Rodgers has stirred the pot; in November 2021, he faced backlash after testing positive for COVID-19, revealing his unvaccinated status due to allergies, which sparked significant debate.
Beyond controversies, Rodgers has been a fixture in headlines for his well-publicized romantic relationships. He dated actress Olivia Munn from 2014 to 2017, had a relationship with race car driver Danica Patrick from 2018 to 2020, and was briefly engaged to actress Shailene Woodley, which ended in 2022.
Currently, Rodgers has been linked to Mallory Edens, daughter of Milwaukee Bucks owner Wes Edens. According to a source for People, the two are “more than friends, but it’s casual,” adding another chapter to his dynamic personal life.