Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the New York Jets, was rumored to be a potential running mate for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This unexpected pairing sparked intrigue and speculation, even though it seemed unlikely that Rodgers could balance his NFL responsibilities with a high-stakes political campaign. Despite never publicly confirming his candidacy, Rodgers did not dismiss the idea, further fueling the rumors. However, the prospect of a Kennedy-Rodgers ticket was officially put to rest when Kennedy named lawyer and philanthropist Nicole Shanahan as his running mate in Oakland. Shanahan, who has contributed financially to Kennedy’s campaign, fit the mold he was looking for to appeal to young voters.
The idea of Rodgers as a potential vice president candidate generated mixed reactions amongst Kennedy’s supporters and the public. Some believed it was a publicity stunt to garner attention for the campaign, while others expressed skepticism about having a candidate with no political qualifications being a heartbeat away from the presidency. Despite the controversy surrounding Rodgers, supporters like Sue Peters from New York trusted Kennedy’s judgment and felt that a vice president did not necessarily need a background in politics. Metta World Peace, a former NBA player and Kennedy supporter, found the concept of a professional athlete running for vice president during the season to be interesting and cool.
In recent years, Rodgers has become more outspoken and controversial, straying away from the typical soundbites expected from professional athletes. He has embraced conspiracy theories and expressed skepticism towards vaccines, which has stirred controversy and cost him friends and sponsors. Despite the turbulence surrounding him, Rodgers has remained steadfast in standing by his beliefs and speaking out on issues that matter to him. Kennedy was drawn to Rodgers because of his commitment to service and advocacy for various causes, making him a compelling candidate for vice president.
The New York Jets, Rodgers’ NFL team, seemed surprised by the rumors of his potential vice presidential candidacy, with top executives downplaying the possibility and focusing on football matters instead. General manager Joe Douglas joked about fortifying the offensive line to prevent Rodgers from getting injured again, while owner Woody Johnson expressed confidence in Rodgers’ return to the team. As Rodgers prepares for the upcoming NFL season, the distraction of his rumored political aspirations has been set aside. However, given Rodgers’ history of controversy and outspokenness, more distractions may be on the horizon for the Jets as the season progresses.
