If you’re following Dan Graziano on social media, you’ve probably noticed his sentiments about Aaron Rodgers. However, in case the subtleties of his retweets have eluded you, the ESPN National NFL Insider left no room for doubt on Wednesday.
During an appearance on ESPN Radio’s UnSportsmanlike with Evan, Canty, and Michelle, Graziano was asked about the reactions to Rodgers’ recent appearances on The Pat McAfee Show. In response, the veteran NFL insider didn’t hold back, expressing his clear stance on the four-time MVP.
“You guys are going to get me in trouble,” Graziano admitted with a groan. “From the Jets’ perspective, everything has seemed to revolve around having Aaron Rodgers and doing whatever it took to maintain that, even before Rodgers got there. So I don’t think you’re going to hear anything negative from the Jets about Aaron Rodgers, regardless of the erratic statements he makes on any airwaves. I believe they’re fully committed, for better or worse.
Continuing, he stated, “Regarding the league as a whole, I think Aaron is living up to his reputation in many ways as an attention-seeking, self-absorbed individual. There have been positive reports about his presence in the Jets building since he arrived, but con artists can be very convincing. If he has managed to deceive the Jets about who he really is, then it’s unfortunate for them, and they will likely bear the consequences. He seems to be a dishonest and narcissistic individual who brings negativity to everything he touches, and I believe the Jets will eventually face the repercussions.”
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Whether you align with or oppose Graziano’s viewpoint, it’s noteworthy to hear an ESPN employee speak about Rodgers in such terms, particularly one of the network’s NFL insiders. While Graziano’s role has shifted to being primarily a panelist/sometimes host on Get Up, it’s unusual to hear a reporter label one of the league’s most prominent players as “a liar and a narcissistic con artist.”
Ironically, Graziano’s comments, which might have previously led to repercussions at ESPN, now occur in a climate where the network would find it challenging to reprimand an employee for comments about Rodgers.
This is especially true after Rodgers used ESPN’s airwaves to criticize ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel last week. It’s also likely that Graziano isn’t the only one at ESPN who shares this perspective on Rodgers, given his controversial stances on COVID-19, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and “the woke mob.”
If Rodgers aimed to create chaos with his weekly appearances on The Pat McAfee Show, Graziano’s comments serve as further evidence that he has succeeded in achieving that goal.
