Staff Reports
In a recent interview on The Pat McAfee Show, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers made headlines by defying science and taking a swipe at Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The conversation started when the hosts of the talk show jokingly mentioned that Rodgers “does stuff his own way” and “actually defies science.” To everyone’s surprise, Rodgers enthusiastically agreed with their statement, going as far as comparing science to Dr. Fauci himself.
Aaron Rodgers discusses the "innovative" surgery he received on his Achilles and how the "power of intention" is aiding him in his recovery about a month after going under the knife: pic.twitter.com/rCupDGxPD8
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 17, 2023
As Rodgers continues to recover from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered last month, he credits his rehabilitation and “the power of intention” for his progress. However, his controversial opinions on science extend beyond his injury. Rodgers recently proposed a debate on vaccinations with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. In this hypothetical debate, Rodgers suggested that he would team up with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known vaccine critic and potential presidential candidate in 2024, while Kelce would have Dr. Fauci as his partner.
Rodgers’s attack on Kelce’s vaccination stance didn’t end there. He referred to him as “Mr. Pfizer,” referencing a recent COVID-19 vaccine advertisement featuring Kelce. The advertisement, which was shared on the Kansas City Chiefs’ social media, seems to have sparked this unexpected feud between the two NFL players.
Kelce responded to Rodgers’s jab with lighthearted humor, expressing amusement at being called “Mr. Pfizer.” He joked that he “looks like a guy called ‘Mr. Pfizer'” and commented on the unexpected turn the debate has taken. “Who knew I’d get into the vax wars with Aaron Rodgers, man?” Kelce exclaimed. “Mr. Pfizer versus the Johnson & Johnson family there.”
Rodgers’s outspoken defiance of science and his willingness to engage in controversial debates continue to raise eyebrows. As the Jets’ quarterback, his opinions on these matters can influence public perception and potentially impact the ongoing efforts to promote vaccination and public health.
