Aaron Rodgers has been a magnet for controversy throughout his career, and the latest revelations in an unauthorized biography are sure to stir up more attention. On Tuesday, sports biographer Ian O’Connor released Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers, a deep dive into the life of the New York Jets quarterback.
One of the more intriguing stories uncovered in the book involves Rodgers’ feelings about his brother Jordan’s appearance on season 12 of The Bachelorette in 2016.
The book delves into Rodgers’ irritation over how his family was portrayed on the popular reality show. Jordan Rodgers, who would go on to win the heart of JoJo Fletcher, attended a dinner with his parents, Ed and Darla, as well as his brother Luke and Luke’s girlfriend during one episode. However, the scene drew attention for what was conspicuously absent: two empty chairs at the table, left open for Aaron Rodgers and his then-girlfriend, actress Olivia Munn. According to O’Connor, Munn was reportedly one of the key reasons for the rift between Aaron and his family.
O’Connor writes, “Aaron was irritated by his family’s decision to film that scene, empty chairs and all, especially since he wasn’t invited to participate.” The author further explains that Rodgers was frustrated not just by the portrayal of the empty seats, but by the larger issue of how his personal family disputes were being used for television. “Not that he would have shown up,” O’Connor notes. “Aaron did not appreciate that Jordan was using their personal issues to increase his visibility for a potential TV career.”
This wasn’t the first time the public had become aware of the tension within the Rodgers family. During The Bachelorette, Jordan openly acknowledged his strained relationship with Aaron, saying, “Me and Aaron don’t really have that much of a relationship. It’s just kind of the way he’s chosen to do life, and I chose to stay close to my family.” The comments offered a rare glimpse into a private family matter that had long been speculated on but never confirmed by Aaron himself.
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Aaron, however, has consistently kept his distance from discussing his family’s rift publicly. In the book, O’Connor reveals that the quarterback has grown increasingly frustrated with leaks and comments from his relatives over the years. “Given his history of not commenting on his family fractures, Aaron said he has been distressed over the years by the occasional leak or comment from a family member,” O’Connor writes. Rodgers expressed disappointment that his family felt the need to speak publicly, saying, “I have questions about why they feel the need to talk about it, because it’s like a game of poker. When you are holding all the cards, you don’t have to bluff. There’s nothing they can say other than make up stories, but look at the facts.”
Interestingly, at the time of Jordan’s appearance on The Bachelorette, Aaron claimed that he hadn’t watched the show. Speaking to reporters during training camp, he stated, “I haven’t seen the show, to be honest with you, so it hasn’t really affected me a whole lot.” Despite his dismissal of the situation, Rodgers couldn’t help but add that he found it “inappropriate” to talk publicly about family matters, choosing instead to wish his brother well, saying, “I wish him well in the competition.”
Out of the Darkness sheds light on the long-standing tension within the Rodgers family, offering a new perspective on why Aaron has been so reluctant to engage in the public airing of grievances.
The strained relationship between Aaron and Jordan Rodgers became a major talking point during The Bachelorette, but the book reveals just how much Aaron was affected by seeing his private family matters broadcast to millions.
Rodgers, who is now the quarterback for the New York Jets after spending nearly two decades with the Green Bay Packers, has often been in the headlines for his on-field prowess and off-field controversies, including his outspoken views on various societal issues.
This latest insight into his personal life adds another layer to his complex public persona—one of a man fiercely protective of his privacy, even as the world around him continually seeks to pull back the curtain.
