Aaron Rodgers has a public reputation for speaking his mind, even when his comments create headlines beyond football. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback continued that pattern during a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Rodgers’ comments drew an unexpected show of support from a Chicago Bears legend, who believes active NFL players face intense pressure to keep controversial opinions to themselves.
Brian Urlacher Explains Why He Respects Aaron Rodgers
Brian Urlacher believes Rodgers deserves credit for refusing to follow the usual script. During an appearance on “The Sage Steele Show,” Urlacher discussed the pressure athletes face when they are pushed to take political or social positions.
Urlacher said, “I think when people make you choose a side, for me, if you pressure me to choose something, you’re probably not going to like my response because I will choose the opposite of what you think I’m going to choose, or what you think I should choose, or what you’re pushing me to choose.
“And I feel like in 2016, 2018, when the country was — when Trump got in, is when it all happened. Everyone tries to make you go a certain way, and, “Oh, he’s the devil. He’s the worst thing of all time.” And you do your research, and it’s not really like that.”
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Urlacher explained that speaking openly became easier after his playing career ended. He said NFL players face pressure from teammates and organizations to stay quiet, which shaped his respect for Rodgers.
“That’s why I have so much respect for Aaron Rodgers, by the way,” Urlacher said. “I mean, I’ve always liked the guy. I’ve always, you know, great competitor. But what he said the other day on McAfee’s show was unbelievable.”
Urlacher’s comments came after Rodgers’ Aug. 3 appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” at Steelers training camp. Rodgers turned the conversation toward Dr. Anthony Fauci and sharply criticized his handling of questions during congressional testimony.
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When asked by Pat McAfee about his “mindset” for the upcoming season, Rodgers replied, “I’m gonna plead the Fifth like that absolute coward, Tony Fauci. Absolute coward.” He later added, “Are you kidding me? You got a pardon, and you pleaded over 100 times at the White House? What are you scared of, Tony?”
Rodgers also said to McAfee, “I told you I’d be on the right side of history when I had that mustache, and we were in New York.”
The comments created controversy around the Steelers quarterback due to the strong nature of his statement. Team PR representative Burt Lauten subsequently released a statement distancing the organization from Rodgers’ political remarks, while mentioning, “players are entitled to their own personal views.”
For Urlacher, though, the fallout is part of what makes Rodgers’ approach unusual. Rodgers is not afraid to speak his mind about what he feels is right, as he has done while talking about the COVID-19 vaccination controversy. Similarly, Urlacher sees the WNBA controversy, in which he has supported Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.
Urlacher’s praise centers on Rodgers’ willingness to accept the consequences of speaking openly while still playing in the NFL.
