“Fame can change things – It’s complicated – We’re all hoping for the best.” Doesn’t exactly sound very hopeful, right? This is what Edward Rodgers had to say about his relationship with his son, Aaron Rodgers, sometime back in 2017. However, their estrangement dates back even further, to 2014, when the hammer fell and Aaron severed all ties with his family. Sources close to the family believed it all stemmed from lifelong sibling rivalry that escalated, and Ed and Darla (Aaron’s mom) intervened. Now, more than a decade later, Aaron Rodgers has shared his thoughts on fatherhood.
This won’t be the first time Aaron Rodgers has opened up about his family ties. Even in the Netflix docuseries, Aaron Rodgers: Enigma, he shed light on the relationship with his father. As per A-Rod, “I think I saw my dad cry when my grandfather passed. And that might have been it – There wasn’t space for emotion, so I definitely had some stunted emotional intelligence.” In the NFL universe, where family ties are the foundation for our stars, Aaron Rodgers’ relationship stands out as a stark contrast. But it is perhaps this contrast that has shaped his worldview, which he has now shared with everyone.
Austin, Texas, became a host of revelations last week. On Mia’s Brothers On The Hot Seat, rapper Mike Stud sat with Aaron Rodgers for a Q&A session. One person asked A-Rod his thoughts on fatherhood. What followed was a monologue straight from the head and heart of Rodgers. “I don’t have a relationship with my dad. So, I think that one thing that changed for me, at least when we were still in each other’s lives, was when we grow up, we think our parents are Superman and Superwoman and they can do no wrong. And then you get older and you realize they’re just like you and I, just out there trying to do their best.” Rodgers also explains that every kid has a vision of perfection when it comes to their parents. But, “that’s an unnatural standard to live up to for any parent, I think.”
CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 05: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) gives an interview after game action during a NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on September 05, 2019 at Soldier Field, in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire) NFL: SEP 05 Packers at Bears PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxDENxONLY Icon16409051990
Aaron Rodgers said that, although he doesn’t have kids, he understands how difficult parenting can be. “I’m assuming your whole life changes. You have a child. Oh s—. Like, ‘that’s mine. I got to take care of it. They can’t do anything for itself.’ Then it’s getting older. I’m trying to teach it the right thing. ‘And do I go hard? Do I go easy on them? Do I try and be friends with them? Do I be stern and disciplined with them?’” It was then that Rodgers talked about his own dad, “So the resentment that I had at times like ‘why didn’t you do this?’ and ‘why couldn’t you take care of that?’ and ‘why did you treat me like this?’ He was just trying to do the best he could and that helped me to have some grace and forgiveness for the whole thing because they’re not perfect.”
As Aaron Rodgers navigates the realizations that come with his age, he looks back at his childhood in a new light. And through that changed perspective, maybe the veteran is coming closer to mending the fences with his family. And these realisations didn’t just come on their own. He’s also navigating the difficulties of a major health concern for someone close to him.
Aaron Rodgers’ battle with family illness
While the entire league waited for a decision from Aaron Rodgers, it seems like we are finally getting some answers. He’s not just enjoying life playing golf and going places. Back in April, on the Pat McAfee Show, he had dropped a hint about what was going on. “I’m in a different phase of my life. I’m 41 years old; I’m in a serious relationship. I have off-the-field stuff going on that requires my attention, and I have a couple people in my inner, inner circle who are battling some quite difficult stuff.” While he didn’t clarify what was going on back then, he made another revelation recently that shed light on the matter.
Before his sit-in with Mike Stud, Aaron Rodgers also appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience. And it was here, in conversation with Rogan, that Rodgers shed more light on what had been troubling him since last year. On the podcast, he said, “But you know what happens and I figured it out during the last year, when I’ve, you know, been in the weeds with these people who are close to me that have cancer, is that innovation is frowned upon. And alternative ways of dealing with cancer are frowned upon, and people who are doing it are getting f—— raided. And lawsuits and shutdowns. You got to be real, real quiet if you are helping people on the down low because that’s one of their money makers.” So, that’s the reason for his silence for so long. He’s helping the people close to him battle cancer on their own terms.
Whether it’s showing up for his inner circle or reflecting on his childhood, Aaron Rodgers seems to have gained a new outlook on life. And that outlook is helping him become an even bigger personality than he already is. As the league waits for an answer from him about whether he will play or not, we now know it’s not just about football. It’s bigger, it’s more difficult, and of course, it’s very personal.
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