Aaron Rodgers regrets his 2021 remark about being ‘immunized’

In his forthcoming unauthorized biography, Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback known for his candid remarks, admits he should have been honest about his vaccination status against COVID-19. This revelation comes three years after he told reporters he had been “immunized.”

Rodgers confided to author Ian O’Connor that claiming to be “immunized” was primarily motivated by what he viewed as important for his public persona. “If there’s one thing I wish could have gone different, it’s that, because that’s the only thing [critics] could hit me with,” he reflected in the book.

In November 2021, Rodgers, then with the Green Bay Packers, tested positive for COVID-19 as an unvaccinated player and was forced to quarantine for at least ten days. He had previously sought to convince the NFL that his homeopathic treatment could qualify him as vaccinated, which was ultimately rejected, leading to widespread criticism of his initial statements.

During a widely publicized preseason press conference that summer, he had informed reporters of his supposed immunization, which sparked backlash from fans and the media alike. He later explained his hesitance to get vaccinated stemmed from a reported allergy to polyethylene glycol, an ingredient in the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, and concerns about adverse reactions linked to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

In hindsight, Rodgers expressed regret over his tactics: “But if I could do it again, I would have said [in August], f— the appeal. I’m just going to tell them I’m allergic to PEG, I’m not getting Johnson & Johnson, I’m not going to be vaxxed.”

Now playing for the New York Jets, Rodgers discussed the implications of his earlier decisions, saying he initially had an immunization card from a holistic doctor that resembled a vaccination card. “I wasn’t trying to pawn it off as a vaccine card… but if I had just said [I was unvaccinated] in the moment, there’s no chance that the appeal would have been handled the exact same way,” he asserted.

When asked if he would have chosen to get vaccinated had a local mandate required it, like the one affecting then-Nets player Kyrie Irving, Rodgers firmly replied, “I wouldn’t have done it.”

Rodgers was traded to the Jets before the 2023 season. He shared that he has joked about his reluctance towards the Johnson & Johnson vaccine with Jets vice chairman Christopher Johnson, a member of the family behind the pharmaceutical giant.

The book also unveils personal details about Rodgers’ life outside football. Notably, it reveals the complexities of his almost decade-long estrangement from his family. It sheds light on the dynamics of these relationships, including the impact of actress Olivia Munn, a former girlfriend. Rodgers recounted a recent step towards reconciliation with his father, describing a brief but heartfelt exchange that stirred a desire to mend their relationship.

Additionally, the biography includes an account of Edward Rodgers, Aaron’s grandfather, who was a decorated combat pilot in World War II. The book recounts the story of how he successfully returned his crew home after their plane was badly damaged during combat, a harrowing experience that left him feeling isolated as he piloted alone over enemy territory.

Rodgers reflects on his professional experiences as well, notably his frustrations with former Packers coach Mike McCarthy. He expressed disappointment during the 2014 NFC Championship Game against Seattle, feeling that crucial plays he identified were not utilized, which ultimately contributed to their devastating loss.

The biography touches on past events that still resonate in Rodgers’ mind, including a memorable text exchange with ESPN insider Adam Schefter, where he humorously insisted Schefter “lose my number” when contacted about his potential trade to the Jets.

Ian O’Connor’s book, titled “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers,” is set for release next week, promising to provide deeper insights into the life and thoughts of one of the NFL’s most talked-about players.