After spending a year documenting Aaron Rodgers, the filmmakers behind Netflix’s new docuseries, Aaron Rodgers: Enigma, concluded that the title couldn’t be more fitting. Directors Gotham Chopra and Liam Hughes, who co-helmed the three-part series, shared insights with PEOPLE about their experience filming the four-time NFL MVP during one of the most tumultuous years of his career.
The series, which began streaming on December 17, chronicles Rodgers’ recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon, suffered on the fourth play of his much-anticipated debut season with the New York Jets. It also dives into his career, off-field controversies, and the enigmatic personality that has long captured public attention.
Rodgers’ Complexity Surprised the Directors
“I think we probably know him better than most with all the time we’ve spent with him and all the interviews,” Chopra told PEOPLE. “But if you ask me, ‘Do I really know Aaron?’ I’d have to say no. I don’t think so. Not to get too esoteric, but does Aaron fully know himself? I don’t think he would say yes. That’s part of what makes him so fascinating—he’s still very much on a journey.”
Chopra and Hughes set out to document Rodgers with an open mind, putting aside preconceived notions shaped by years of media scrutiny. “Given everything we had seen and read about Aaron over the years, we wanted to approach the project with curiosity and an open heart,” Hughes explained. “What struck me right away was how quickly some of those preconceived notions were blown up. Meeting Aaron in person and building that human connection revealed someone far more complex than the media narratives we’d seen.”
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A Vulnerable Side of Rodgers
Despite his guarded reputation, Rodgers reportedly surprised the directors with his openness. According to Chopra, “Aaron was really trusting from the start. He was very open and vulnerable throughout the process, which is rare for someone as public and polarizing as him.”
The series captures Rodgers discussing deeply personal topics, including his strained relationship with his family, his evolving spiritual and religious beliefs, and his ambivalence toward fame. It also explores his at-times controversial views on science and politics.
One standout scene features a candid meeting with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who even floated the idea of Rodgers joining his 2024 presidential campaign as a running mate.
“Aaron has been very consistent about keeping certain parts of his private life off-limits,” Chopra said. “But he did open up about a lot—his family being one of the most significant topics. Once he was in on the documentary, he was all in.”
The Challenge of Understanding Rodgers
Hughes noted that Rodgers’ enigmatic nature made the project both challenging and rewarding. “Aaron is a very difficult person to understand,” Hughes admitted. “But that’s what made this project so compelling. He’s not a typical athlete or celebrity—there’s a depth and complexity to him that constantly keeps you guessing.”
A Glimpse Into Rodgers’ Inner World
Aaron Rodgers: Enigma offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the NFL’s most compelling figures. From his decision to experiment with alternative medicine and psychedelics to his reflections on the challenges of navigating public life, the series paints a nuanced portrait of a man who defies easy categorization.
Chopra and Hughes hope that viewers come away with a deeper understanding of Rodgers, even if some questions remain unanswered. “Ultimately, this isn’t just a story about football or fame—it’s a story about self-discovery and the complexities of the human experience,” Chopra said.
All episodes of Aaron Rodgers: Enigma are now available for streaming on Netflix.
