Aaron Rodgers escalated his feud with former NFL safety and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark on Tuesday, delivering a controversial and pointed response during his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. The exchange, which began with Clark calling Rodgers a “fraud” last week, has since spiraled into a clash over hypocrisy, media criticism, and even COVID-19 vaccination status.
Rodgers, seemingly addressing Clark without naming him, ended his segment on McAfee’s show with a “PSA” aimed at his detractors. “Say whatever the f*** you want about me, I don’t care,” Rodgers said. “But before you do it—whether you state your name, your accolades, pronouns, whatever it is—just state your vax status. So that anything you say afterward gets put in the right light.”
The Green Bay Packers legend, who now plays for the New York Jets, accused his unnamed critic of being “captured by the multi-billion dollar propaganda psy-op” surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. Rodgers doubled down, saying, “You’re highly vaccinated, and then say whatever the hell you wanna say about me, because I couldn’t give two s***s about it.”
Rodgers also mocked the individual’s penchant for wearing personal initials on their outfits, saying, “You don’t just need a broach with your initials on it.” This comment was widely interpreted as a jab at Clark, who is known for sporting a lapel pin with his initials.
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Clark wasted no time responding on social media, taking the remarks in stride. “Man, I wish The Pat McAfee Show would’ve let him keep going! It just got good,” Clark posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I don’t know about the vax stuff, but shoot he almost put a name on it. It’s a lapel pin BTW!!”
Clark further addressed Rodgers’ comments, calling out what he viewed as hypocrisy. “My biggest problem with Aaron Rodgers is you’re doing the exact same thing. The reason you’re getting this opportunity to say these asinine things is because someone is paying you who is exactly the same as what you’re now speaking out against,” he said.
The animosity stems from earlier remarks made by Rodgers, where he criticized former players turned TV analysts. “I’m talking about these experts on TV who nobody remembers what they did in their career,” Rodgers said. “In order for them to stay relevant, they have to make comments that keep them in the conversation… Many of [their opinions] are unfounded or asinine.”
Clark countered on The Pivot, his own media platform, accusing Rodgers of arrogance and hypocrisy. “This dude is once again tone-deaf… This dude is a fraud. He’s been a fraud, and he could throw a football, and that’s where it stops. Once that talent ends, so does him.”
Clark also pointed out that Rodgers’ criticism of media personalities ignored his own role as a paid commentator on McAfee’s show. “He talks tough and behaves this way, but he’s doing the exact same thing he’s criticizing.”
Rodgers later defended his participation on McAfee’s show, claiming he does not take money for his appearances. However, a report from The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand contradicted this, alleging that Rodgers has received “millions” for his contributions.
The feud has sparked widespread debate online, with fans and critics weighing in on both sides. While Rodgers framed his criticisms as a call for humility and honesty, his vaccine commentary and attacks on Clark’s credibility have drawn sharp rebukes.
Clark, meanwhile, has positioned himself as unbothered by the drama. “I’m not too concerned with Aaron,” he said, emphasizing his focus on his media career and projects outside of sports commentary.
As the dust settles, the public sparring between Rodgers and Clark underscores the growing tension between athletes and sports media in an era where opinions often overshadow on-field accomplishments. For now, it seems neither side is ready to back down.
