In a lighthearted revelation, Danica Patrick’s father, Terry Patrick, had once shared that he had considered playfully tackling his daughter’s boyfriend at the time, NFL star Aaron Rodgers, upon learning his daughter was dating the Green Bay Packers quarterback.
Patrick and Rodgers began dating in early 2018, forming a high-profile couple that blended the worlds of NASCAR and the NFL. Their relationship was marked by shared journeys in search of wellness and mindfulness. They also engaged in practices like meditation and personal growth.
Danica Patrick’s Dad Joked About Tackling His Daughter’s Famous QB Boyfriend
Speaking to Autoweek in 2018, Terry had admitted he had initially planned to wear a Chicago Bears Brian Urlacher jersey, the linebacker being a Hall of Famer, and jokingly confront Rodgers. The reason? A long-standing football rivalry.
“Actually, the first time we met him, I told the kids I was going to wear my Brian Urlacher jersey and tackle him,” Terry said. “I couldn’t find it. He walked in and asked, ‘Where is your jersey?’ I told him I couldn’t find it. He said, ‘I would respect you a lot more if you had it on.’”
Rodgers, known for his sharp wit and composed demeanor, reportedly took the joke in stride. “He’s good about it. He knows. He is very intelligent and still has a sense of humor,” Patrick’s father added.
When asked if his daughter would remain loyal to her favorite football team and cheer for the Bears or cheer for Rodgers instead, he said, “I don’t know. That’s a good question. We’ll have to wait and see, won’t we?”
However, the famous sporting couple parted ways in July 2020. Patrick later reflected on the breakup, describing it as a period that opened her heart and led to significant personal growth.
Where Are Danica Patrick and Aaron Rodgers Now?
Since their split, both Patrick and Rodgers have continued to evolve personally and professionally.
Patrick has ventured into entrepreneurship, launching her own wine label, Somnium, and an athleisure line called Warrior by Danica Patrick. She also hosts the “Pretty Intense” podcast, where she discusses a wide range of topics from personal development to spirituality.
Rodgers, on the other hand, has remained a prominent figure in the NFL and has been open about his journey toward self-love and mental health.
Rodgers has spoken about the importance of mindfulness in his life and has credited experiences like using the psychedelic ayahuasca with aiding his personal and professional growth.
For the past two months, since the start of NFL free agency, Rodgers has been on the market. The four-time MVP did take a visit to Pittsburgh back in March, but nothing official has been announced about his plans for football in 2025.