Team USA’s gold medal win in Milan should have been the only story coming out of the Winter Games. Instead, the win has been overshadowed by what transpired inside the locker room after the final horn. Video of FBI Director Kash Patel celebrating with players drew mixed reactions across the country.
And now, NFL star Aaron Rodgers has added his voice to the discussion and made his stance clear.
Aaron Rodgers Blasts Kash Patel Over Team USA Olympic Locker Room Celebration Controversy
Rodgers discussed the situation during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. After the United States defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime on Feb. 22, footage showed Patel inside the locker room drinking beer and wearing a gold medal while players celebrated their first Olympic title in 46 years.
The video circulated widely online and led to questions about whether the setting was appropriate for a sitting FBI director.
Rodgers did not hold back when sharing his view. “Can we get that one guy out of the locker room? That’s a bad look. Have some awareness,” he said.
During the same appearance, Rodgers also touched on another hockey topic. While discussing the sport’s growth, he said, “Idk why they don’t have a hockey team,” referring to Wisconsin and the lack of an NHL franchise in the state.
Patel had traveled to Italy on an FBI Gulfstream jet, and reports estimated the cost of the trip at about $75,000. The FBI stated the visit was planned months earlier and included meetings with Italian law enforcement officials and U.S. Ambassador Tilman Fertitta. The bureau stated that Patel also attended Olympic security briefings tied to international cooperation during the Games.
Critics have questioned whether the director should have taken part in a private locker room celebration while traveling on government resources.
Patel earlier addressed the criticism on X and defended his actions. He wrote that he was “extremely humbled” to be invited by friends on Team USA to celebrate the historic win. He also praised the team’s “Unity, Sacrifice, Attitude” and thanked them for representing the country.
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Rodgers’ reaction drew attention because it came from a veteran NFL quarterback rather than a political figure. The 42-year-old, who is currently an unrestricted free agent after helping the Pittsburgh Steelers win the AFC North, has often shared direct opinions on public matters.
In this case, he disapproved of a federal official being part of that setting.
The victory itself was historic, with Jack Hughes scoring the overtime goal and Connor Hellebuyck making 41 saves in the final. Even so, the attention has been on Patel’s presence and President Donald Trump’s remarks during the locker room moment.
