The National Football League, especially NFL MVP and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, have been sacked, by the truth, for an incalculable loss of reputation.
If the NFL was ever trying to hold players accountable for their vaccination status, Rodgers fumbled that effort with a big public relations taboo: heavily misleading media (some might say lied) about his COVID-19 vaccination status.
Unfortunately, the truth hurts. In the case of Aaron Rodgers, it’s been hurting his reputation a lot (like, a lot a lot in recent months due to his contract demands and practice holdout ahead of the NFL season). His latest interview on The Pat McAfee Show has only made it worse, especially in the eyes of the press and public
For a guy who only just a few months ago was someone people wanted as the new host of Jeopardy, he couldn’t seem to get out of his own way, losing public affection overnight.
Rodgers, at the end of August said he was “immunized” when asked by reporters about his vaccination status. Sure, “immunized” may have been unique wording, but he also added that “there’s guys on the team that haven’t been vaccinated. I think it’s a personal decision. I’m not going to judge those guys.” 🙄
This of course gives the media, Packers fans, football fans and anyone else paying attention the impression that Rodgers is indeed, vaccinated.
It also gave members of the press a sense of safety during press conferences with Rodgers, who has been conducting his pressers for the past two months without a mask. This was despite NFL rules, and no one said anything.
So how did people find out Rodgers was not vaccinated?
It was revealed that he was one of several Packers players who tested positive for the coronavirus. And yes, there have been a few breakthrough cases, but Rodgers went on The Pat McAfee show to pour gasoline on the fire – sorry, explain he didn’t lie before and his reasoning for not getting a vaccination – and clarify his position on the “woke mob” and “cancel culture” – sorry again, how he immunized himself from COVID through various treatments of vitamins, as well as ivermectin, monoclonal antibodies, and HCQ.
Well, he still got COVID, and has exposed his teammates, coaches, and media to the potential risks of contracting the virus.
Not only that, by trying to explain his way out of this PR mess, he’s only doubled down on hurting his reputation among many, including NFL pundits and sports legends.
Rich Eisen of the NFL Network said he’s “disappointed” in Rodgers, while NFL legend and commentator Terry Bradshaw flat-out called Rodgers a liar.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a Hall of Famer and six-time National Basketball Association MVP wrote that “Rodgers didn’t just lie he also damaged professional sports.”
Rodgers became a punchline for Saturday Night Live, which wasted no time utilizing Pete Davidson to poke fun at the quarterback and his stance on the “witch hunt” that’s taking place.
But not only are people looking down on and making fun of Rodgers for his actions and comments, he’s being hit in the pocketbook as well. Since his interview, he’s lost a sponsorship with Green Bay-based healthcare organization Prevea Health, and it could be only a matter of time until other companies pull the plug on their partnerships or completely avoid him all together.
Now, as all of this unfolds, the NFL is investigating Rodgers and the Packers for allowing unvaccinated players to play. Our advice to Rodgers? Hire a PR firm to get his reputation back on the field.