Three years after Aaron Rodgers told reporters he’d been “immunized” against the COVID-19 virus, the quarterback expressed regret over his misleading statement in a soon-to-be-published unauthorized biography. Rodgers admitted that he should have been truthful about his vaccination status, acknowledging that the controversy had a significant impact on his public image.
In the book titled “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers” by author Ian O’Connor, Rodgers revealed that the primary reason he claimed to be “immunized” was because he believed it was the crux of his appeal. Reflecting on the situation, Rodgers stated that he wished he had handled it differently and been upfront about his vaccination status from the beginning.
The controversy arose in November 2021 when Rodgers, who tested positive for COVID-19 as an unvaccinated player, was sidelined for a minimum of 10 days. Despite appealing to the NFL to consider his homeopathic treatment regimen as a form of vaccination, Rodgers faced widespread criticism for his misleading remarks and was ultimately denied.
In the book, Rodgers explained that he had chosen to use the term “immunized” during a preseason news conference to avoid disclosing his unvaccinated status due to concerns about allergies to vaccine ingredients. However, looking back, he admitted that he should have been straightforward about his decision to remain unvaccinated.
When asked if he would have gotten vaccinated if faced with a local mandate similar to that of then-Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving, Rodgers stated that he still would not have chosen to receive the vaccine. Despite the backlash and controversy surrounding his vaccination status, Rodgers stood by his decision.
In addition to addressing the vaccination controversy, O’Connor’s book delves into the personal life of Rodgers, exploring the near decade-long estrangement between the quarterback and his family. The book also sheds light on Rodgers’ paternal grandfather, Edward Rodgers, a decorated World War II combat pilot, and provides insights into Rodgers’ relationships with former coach Mike McCarthy and other key figures in his career.
Overall, Rodgers’ candid reflections in the upcoming biography offer a glimpse into the complexities of his life both on and off the field. As fans eagerly await the release of O’Connor’s book, they can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that have shaped Aaron Rodgers’ journey in the NFL.