Why Aaron Rodgers publicly addressed his sexuality

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“I’m just going to say I’m not gay — I really, really like women.” That was Aaron Rodgers‘ response during a 2013 episode of ESPN Milwaukee’s Tuesdays With Aaron, that dismissed swirling rumors about his sexuality. Fast forward a decade, and the 40-year-old New York Jets quarterback is shedding light on why he felt compelled to address those whispers in the first place.

“I think I was upset with the framing [of the rumor] because it was meant to shame the idea of being gay, and I have so many friends that are gay in the community,” Rodgers explained to Ian O’Connor in an interview for the author’s new biography, Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers. “And right before that, [Jason Wilde] and I actually have talked about this multiple times, and I said, ‘I want to go after them, the people saying this.'”

The pro football legend went on to admit that he “could[n’t] give a sh*t” what people think of him, but his main issue was with how the rumors perpetuated negative stigmas about being gay, rather than the personal implications for him.

“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 are in the community who don’t believe that it’s a choice,” he said. “They were making it seem like you’re shaming people for being gay, when a lot of them, if you ask them, they didn’t ask for this life. ‘This is who I am.'”

Rodgers isn’t new to controversy; in November 2021, he was sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, unvaccinated due to allergies to vaccine ingredients, which sparked widespread debate.

Following the interview from 2013, the four-time NFL MVP didn’t just make headlines for his stance on sensitive issues; he also caught attention for his high-profile romances, charming a lineup of Hollywood A-listers. From his relationship with actress Olivia Munn between 2014 and 2017, to racing down love’s fast lane with Danica Patrick from 2018 to 2020, and finally, his engagement to actress Shailene Woodley which ended in 2022, Rodgers has been as active in the dating scene as he has on the field.

Most recently, the former Green Bay Packer quarterback has been spotted with Mallory Edens, the daughter of Milwaukee Bucks majority owner Wes Edens. A source told People in January 2023 that the duo are “more than friends, but it’s casual.”