It’s Tuesday, which means that it was time for Pat McAfee’s weekly (paid) interview with Aaron Rodgers.
But before the New York Jets quarterback even joined the show, the former Indianapolis Colts punter sent a sarcastic shot to those who might be watching.
“Aaron Rodgers will join us at 1:05. He’ll be breaking down all the latest vaccinations — and that’s it,” McAfee said as he opened Tuesday’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show. “We won’t talk about anything else. Obviously, that is all we talk about the entire time, even though that’s maybe the only thing that people seem to cover in one particular part of the world and then they say that’s all we talk about. Interesting stuff. But Aaron Rodgers will be coming on.”
McAfee’s defiant message was obviously directed as those who have made note of Rodgers using McAfee’s ESPN platform to continue to take swipes at the COVID-19 vaccine and former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci. Perhaps most notably, Rodgers challenged Kansas City Chiefs tight end and Pfizer endorser Travis Kelce — who conveniently happens to be one of the most famous football players in the world at the moment — to a debate that for some reason would also include Fauci and presidential longshot/vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy.
Approximately an hour after McAfee’s opening monologue on Tuesday, Rodgers joined the show and all things considered, it was initially a pretty tame affair. While discussing the topic of officiating in the NFL, the four-time MVP even poked fun at his own reputation, making it clear that he didn’t want to deceive anyone.
“I could be wrong on this. I don’t want to spread anymore misinformation, but I believe that there some refs that are full time,” Rodgers said. “You can fact check me on that one.”
But by the end of his hit, Rodgers couldn’t help himself. Following a long-winded answer about the different styles of leadership among quarterbacks — in which he described himself as a “hippie” — the 39-year-old made sure to remind everyone of his own political leanings.
“I believe in medical freedom and informed consent and I’m voting for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. So have a great day everybody,” Rodgers said.
McAfee replied with was a laugh and a clap and thanked Rodgers for his appearance.
As a reminder, Rodgers is reportedly being paid more than $1 million for these interviews.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.