Speaking withUSA Today, Ed Rodgers said he is “proud of” his son and supports Aaron’s decision to pursue alternative forms of treatment over getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
“I think he tried to probably treat himself naturally, like a lot of folks do. And there’s a lot of great natural things out there, which help mitigate the virus. So I’m proud of him. I’m proud that he went that route,” Ed said.
The father of three also clarified that he has not spoken to the Green Bay Packers quarterback, telling the outlet, however, that “things are progressing” in theirstrained relationship. “The main thing (is) I just support him. I’m proud of him. I trust his judgment and decisions. I think that’s what I would’ve done,” Ed said.
According to theTimes, Aaron allegedly stopped talking to his family members at the end of 2014. “It’s complicated,” Ed said in 2017 about his response to those who ask about his estranged son’s relationship with the rest of the Rodgers.
The Pat McAfee Show
The athlete tested positive for COVID on Nov. 3 and was required to quarantine for 10 days. He will be eligible to play on Saturday, one day before the Packers' home game against the Seattle Seahawks.
On Nov. 5, the quarterback confirmed he was unvaccinated and said he “didn’t lie” when he told the media in August that he was “immunized.”
After his admission, Rodgers wasfinedfor violating the league’s COVID protocols, including not wearing a mask during his news conferences and going maskless in the team’s facility. In addition, the team was fined for not reporting Rodgers and unvaccinated wide receiver Allen Lazard’s attendance at a Halloween party. (League protocol prevents those without vaccinations from gathering in groups of more than three.)
“I understand that this issue, in general, is very charging to a lot of people because we’re talking about public health. I totally respect that. I made a decision that was in the best interest based on consulting with my doctors,” the reigning NFL MVP said. “I understand that not everybody’s gonna understand that necessarily, but I respect everybody’s opinion.”
Later in the interview, Rodgers similarly added: “I’m an athlete, I’m not an activist. So I’m going to get back to doing what I do best, and that’s playing ball. I shared my opinion. It wasn’t one that was come to frivolously, it involved a lot of study and what I felt like was in my best interest for my body.”
Aaron Rodgers.Harry How/Getty
Rodgers previously told McAfee that he was allergic to an ingredient in the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna), and did not want to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine because, he claimed, “I had heard of multiple people who had had adverse events around getting the J&J.” He also said he took ivermectin, a drug which the FDA has not authorized or approved for use in treating or preventing COVID-19. In cases where it was taken, people have been hospitalized.
The NFL currently does not require players to be fully vaccinated against COVID, but specific mandates from teams and venues vary due to local city and state laws. The Packers do not require vaccinations at their home stadium, Lambeau Field.
As information about thecoronavirus pandemicrapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from theCDC,WHOandlocal public health departments.PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMeto raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, clickhere.
source: people.com
