Progressives pounced on former prog-darling turned anti-vaxxer Aaron Rodgers this weekend after he and his Packers lost their NFL playoff game.
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Rodgers went from hero to villain overnight. Why?
Because Rodgers spent the past few years presenting himself as a socially conscious and socially active athlete. He’s lent his voice to benevolent efforts in Africa and India, spoken out against religious bigotry, raised millions of dollars in wildfire relief money for his native Northern California region, and even endorsed Colin Kaepernick’s campaign to reenter the NFL.
Rodgers’ popularity might have survived his refusal to get vaccinated, and even his cowardice in hiding his status, but his bizarre consultation with podcast provocateur [Joe] Rogan, who amplified misinformation during his own COVID bout, did irreparable damage to Rodgers’ profile. They both ignored established doctors and CDC guidance and, instead, relied on their own research and crackpot cures on the internet.
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This backlash might be the issue that pushes Rodgers from a game he dominates, even at the age of 38. Tom Brady and Joe Montana might be better winners, but Rodgers is the most talented passer to ever share our atmosphere, and it’s not particularly close. But he’s very sensitive. And that might be the difference.
