Packers’ Aaron Rodgers tries to move past vaccine comments: ‘I don’t define myself by criticism’

Aaron Rodgers has found his name in the headlines over the past 10 days for something other than his play on the field.

Rodgers has made controversial comments regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and expressed his reasons for refusing to get the vaccine – after he was found to have made misleading comments about vaccination status mine.

After his first game since testing positive for COVID-19, Rodgers said he understands vaccines are a “very polarizing matter for some individuals” and is grateful for his help. have everyone on your side.

“I’m just focused on the support I’m getting. And it’s very deep and wide and greatly appreciated,” Rodgers said Sunday after leading Green Bay to 17-0 victory over Seattle. “There will always be criticism in this world. I don’t define myself by criticism. But I understand that’s part of this because this issue is definitely polarizing.”

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Rodgers said in August he was “immunized” when asked about his vaccination status, leading many to assume he was vaccinated. After he tested positive for COVID-19 on November 3, it was later discovered that he was not vaccinated.

He said during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” that he has instead sought to immunize himself through treatments recommended by his medical team and podcast host Joe Rogan. recommended, whom Rodgers considers a friend. Rodgers listed ivermectin and hydroxycholorquine, both of which the FDA warned against using to treat COVID-19, as part of his regimen.

He expressed concern that the COVID-19 vaccine would affect his fertility and said he was allergic to some ingredients in the vaccine.

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After receiving a response to what he said, Rodgers admitted that his August comments were misleading but stood by the opinions he expressed on the show.

Because of his positive COVID-19 test and status as an unvaccinated individual, Rodgers was forced to take 10 days off, including the Packers’ Week 9 loss to the Chiefs. He was eligible to return on Saturday and was subsequently rehabilitated by the team.

Rodgers told reporters on Sunday – via Zoom to comply with NFL protocols – that shortly after he tested positive, he began looking to get back on the field for a Week 10 game against the Seahawks. . He attended Zoom meetings and called nightly with the team’s offensive coaching staff during the week.

“I did the math and thought it had to be, one, I’m going to be healthy, and then, two, it’s going to be one of those weird weeks where you don’t practice all week and try to go out and play,” said Rodgers. “I knew it was going to be able to feel a little bit different early on because I had already started making plans and was feeling cold.”

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Rodgers completed 23 of 37 292-yard passes without a touchdown or interception. He also dashed forward twice with a distance of 8 yards.

Rodgers said after the game that he looked blind on the pitch because he felt he couldn’t take victory for granted.

“Going out as a winner, you know, it’s nice to beat that team, we’ve had some battles over the years,” he said. “Go out with [linebacker Preston Smith], who I love and cherish so much, and then hearing that reaction from the crowd was just a little bit special tonight. “

Rodgers was also asked if he was concerned he might have to miss the Super Bowl for refusing to get vaccinated if he was deemed to be in close contact.

“I don’t really enjoy playing the ‘what if’ game,” Rodgers said. “What I do know is that right now I have more than two months where my protocol isn’t testing every day. So that’s the only thing that’s on my mind. I don’t like playing hypothetical games. Obviously, would love to play the second weekend of February and hopefully we’re in that position.”