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Aaron Rodgers is a four-time MVP, perennial Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer. The New York Jets quarterback is one of the most popular American sports players, but he isn't the most popular person at the family cookout.
The Green Bay Packers legend is known to have a complicated relationship with his immediate family, and over time, it has made people wonder the relationship Rodgers has with them.
In this article, we examine the history of his beef and what made the NFL star and his family's relationship so strained. So, without further ado, let's get into it.
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What started the rift between Aaron Rodgers and his family?
It's difficult to pinpoint when Aaron Rodgers and his family started feuding. Still, numerous reports link the origins of their beef to when the quarterback was dating Hollywood actress Olivia Munn.
According to sources, Munn and Rodgers' relationship could have been better received in the quarterback's household. Lending credence to the report, Munn said on Sirius XM's "Andy Cohen Live":
"I have avoided speaking about him for a long time. I don't think either side of the road is clean, but it's not OK when you try to stand on someone's shoulders and throw dirt in their face, which is what they did with him."
Aaron Rodgers never responded to the comments, but his brother, Jordan, did. He told US Weekly:
"I'll say I have no idea why she's still talking about an ex; I don't get that."
A source later told US Weekly that the X-Men star actress was the reason that Aaron Rodgers decided to sever ties with his kin:
"When he got together with Olivia, his family told him they did not trust her and thought she wasn't with him for the correct reasons. That made him furious, and he chose Olivia over his family."
Jordan Rodgers goes public with the feud
The origin of Aaron Rodgers' wider issues with his family can be traced back to 2016. Aaron's younger brother, Jordan Rodgers, appeared on the "The Bachelorette". During the show, Jordan told Jojo Fletcher that while he was close with his oldest brother, Luke, Aaron was detached from the rest of the family.
The former NFL backup quarterback told the reality TV star, "It's just the way he's chosen to do life. I chose to stay close to my family, parents, and Luke." The family issues were broadcast on live television before. When Fletcher traveled to Chico, California, to meet with Jordan, he later introduced her to his parents, Ed and Darla, his brother Luke and Luke's girlfriend. Everyone of importance in the Rodgers household was present except (you guessed it) Aaron Rodgers and his then-girlfriend Olivia Munn.
Even though Jordan didn't hesitate to speak about his relationship with Aaron on camera, the NFL star chose not to tell the press his side of the story. In July 2016, Aaron simply told the media that he wished not to elaborate on the situation with his brothers and parents.
Aaron Rodgers' dad drops a bombshell.
Speaking to the New York Times in January 2017, Ed Rodgers stated that Aaron had not spoken to his family since the end of 2014, coincidentally a few months after he started dating Munn. The older Rodgers expressed optimism that the cracks in their household will be fixed in due time.
A source close to Aaron said, "Great precautions will be taken to ensure things don't get worse. You won't see him crying about this on Oprah. He will deal with the family issues privately."
Aaron Rodgers' comments about religion upsets his family
Aaron Rodgers is known for his outspokenness as much as for his excellence on the Gridiron. However, something he said about religion further alienated his family and made reconciliation slightly more tedious.
In 2020, Aaron, during an appearance on the Pretty Intense podcast, said, "Most people that I knew, church was just ... you just had to go". Rodgers made the comments despite his parents being devout Christians.
The NFL star told podcast host Danica Patrick that he had now sought out a "different type of spirituality" that was more meaningful to him than the faith he was exposed to as a child.
According to People Magazine, a source said that Aaron's comments left his immediate family dismayed, and "To them, his comments are essentially a slap in the face to the fundamentals of who they are. It is basically him turning his back on everything they taught him."
The source further hinted that religion contributed to the long-term rift in the Rodgers household.
Does Aaron Rodgers talk to his father and brother?
According to reports, Aaron has not had contact with his father, Ed Rodgers, and brother, Luke Rodgers, for quite some time.
Despite Aaron never letting the public know the reason for his apparent estrangement from his family, the beef persists between the NFL star and the people who knew him well before his fame.
According to a comprehensive report from ESPN:
"Whether or not Rodgers intended to be the face of the COVID-19 vaccine denialist movement, his father reportedly shares the same sentiments about the vaccine and mandates. This shared skepticism, however, is not enough to shorten the longstanding family chasm".
Will Aaron Rodgers reconcile with his family?
There's a chance that Aaron reconciles with his family, albeit a slim one. According to People Magazine, Aaron and Jordan Rodgers have initiated some contact even if the two appear to be far from any significant reconciliation.
Jordan, a college football color commentator for ESPN, and Aaron haven't had the fondest relationships over the years. Aaron was a notable absentee in Jordan's wedding, which drove yet another spanner into the works of a potential reconciliation.
However, there's hope that the Rodgers household will repair their fractured relationship soon.
