Aaron Rodgers says he is grateful that his relationship with his family has been repaired, though he still believes those deeply personal matters never should have become public.
Speaking to The Athletic in an interview published Monday, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback reflected on reconnecting with his parents, Ed and Darla Rodgers, after years of estrangement.
Rodgers credited his wife, Brittani, with helping create the environment that made reconciliation possible following a family rift that first became widely known during his brother Jordan Rodgers’ appearance on The Bachelorette in 2016.
Private matters made public
Without directly naming Jordan, Rodgers appeared to criticize how the family’s private issues became part of the public conversation.
“I’ve been really staunch, going back to when there was a schism, that I feel like that stuff should be off limits,” Rodgers told the outlet. “Now, not everybody in the family adhered to the same thing, but there are different things, situations, experiences, and people that actually change your life,” he added.
The family’s estrangement first drew widespread attention during Jordan Rodgers’ hometown episode on The Bachelorette, when he introduced JoJo Fletcher to his parents and brother Luke in Chico, California. Aaron was notably absent from the gathering, and viewers learned that the quarterback had become distant from his family.
Also read:
At the time, Jordan explained the situation by saying, “Me and Aaron don’t really have that much of a relationship. It’s just kind of the way he’s chosen to do life, and I’ve chosen to stay close with my family and my parents and my brother,” during the 2016 episode.
Wife inspired reconciliation
Rodgers acknowledged that his rise to NFL stardom and the attention that came with it complicated his relationships over the years. He credited Brittani, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight, with helping him rebuild those family connections.
“When I say that my wife has completely changed my life, for the better, there’s no comparison to any time I’ve ever said those words before,” he told The Athletic.
Also read:
She didn’t pressure him to reconcile, but Rodgers said her love and support gave him the confidence to reconnect. After years of communication and rebuilding trust, he described restoring those family relationships as a “real blessing” in his life.
“With her by my side, we reopened that door, and it’s been really beautiful,” he mentioned.
