Green Bay, Wis. – Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he stands behind comments made last week about why he didn’t get vaccinated for COVID-19, but tried to mislead some people about his condition before testing positive Accepted the matter.
Rodgers spoke on “The Pat McAfee Show” on YouTube and SiriusXM on Tuesday, four days after discussing his reasons for avoiding the vaccine at the same outlet. Rodgers, who tested positive on Wednesday, was unavailable to play in the Packers’ 13-7 loss to Kansas City on Sunday and remains in quarantine at his Green Bay home.
“I shared an opinion that is polarizing,” Rodgers said. “I get it. And I misled some people about my status, those comments, which I take full responsibility for. But in the end, I have to live up to who I am and what I am about. I I stand behind whatever he said.”
When asked about his vaccination status at an August 26 news conference, Rodgers replied, “Yeah, I’m immunized.”
Rodgers said Friday that he sought an alternative treatment instead of an NFL-approved vaccination because he is allergic to an ingredient in the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. He did not specify the ingredients.
The three-time NFL MVP said he did not want the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after hearing from several people who had adverse reactions. Rodgers also said he was concerned about potential fertility issues from receiving one of these three vaccines, even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and obstetrics groups recommend COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant individuals. We do.
“I made some comments that people might have thought were misleading,” Rodgers said. “For anyone feeling misled by those comments, I take full responsibility for those comments.”
Rodgers did not specify the comments he was referencing at the time. But about 20 minutes later, he admitted that he had misled some people about his vaccination status.
Authorized COVID-19 vaccines for use in the US have been tested in thousands of people and proven to be both safe and effective in dramatically reducing the risk of serious illness and death. Serious side effects are extremely rare – and any risk is far outweighed by the risks posed by COVID-19.
Rodgers stressed that he understood the gravity of the pandemic and its impact. During his Friday appearance, he talked about being “in the crosshairs of the waking crowd” and wanted to tell his side of the story “before my final nail is put in my canceled culture coffin.”
“I understand that people are suffering,” Rodgers said. “It has been a really tough time for so many people in the last two years. We all know such persons who have lost their lives personally, people who have lost their business, their livelihood. Their way of living has completely changed. And I sympathize with those things. I also know how the sports cam is such a connector and brings people together in difficult times. I realize that I am a role model for a lot of people.”
After Rodgers made his comments Friday, Wisconsin-based Previa Health said it has ended its nine-year partnership with the veteran quarterback. Prevea Health’s announcement said it was a mutual parting.
State Farm issued a statement on Monday saying it disagrees with some of Rodgers’ statements, but respects his right to express his opinion, a sign that it is severing its relationship with one of its biggest celebrity endorsers. Will maintain State Farm’s statement says it encourages vaccination but noted that Rodgers “has been a great ambassador for our company over the past decade.”
Rodgers said he doesn’t feel the need to address the questions that have followed his remarks about why he didn’t get the vaccine.
“I’m an athlete,” Rodgers said. “I’m not an activist. I’m going to do what I do best, and that’s play ball. I shared my opinion. It wasn’t something that came up unnecessarily. There was a lot of study involved and Do what I felt was in my best interest for my body. Further comments, I’m going to keep to myself and my doctors.”
Rodgers, who turns 38 on December 2, says he is feeling better and believes there is only a small chance he will be available for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. Won’t happen. The earliest Rodgers can return to the team on Saturday.
“I feel really good,” he said. “I’m definitely lucky to have found the kind of care that I’ve been able to do. I know it’s special and it’s helped me get better out of it. I also know it’s there for everyone.” It doesn’t happen to anyone. I know it’s a tough time for so many people dealing with COVID. It’s been a tough two years for a lot of people. It’s definitely a time for reflection.”