ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has weighed in on the fiery feud between New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and ESPN colleague Ryan Clark, firmly siding with Clark in a dispute that has captivated sports media all week.
The conflict began when Rodgers criticized media members for making what he called “asinine” takes about him. Clark, a former NFL safety and Super Bowl champion, didn’t hold back in his response, delivering a scathing critique of Rodgers. What followed was a back-and-forth exchange of sharp insults, with Smith now stepping into the fray.
Smith Highlights Rodgers’ Mistakes
Smith, known for his outspoken commentary, identified three critical errors Rodgers has made in this feud.
1. Taking on an NFL Peer:
Smith emphasized that Rodgers isn’t just clapping back at a random reporter or television personality but at a former NFL player who has earned his respect in the league. “This isn’t Aaron Rodgers coming at a guy who’s never played the game,” Smith said. “Ryan Clark has walked the walk. He’s part of the fraternity—a Super Bowl champion who knows the grind of the NFL. Rodgers can’t dismiss him the same way he might a reporter or analyst with no playing experience.”
2. Implying Clark’s Views Are Invalid Due to Vaccination Status:
Smith pointed out that Rodgers’ comments carried undertones of dismissiveness toward Clark, seemingly because Clark is vaccinated. This comes in the wake of Rodgers’ controversial handling of his own vaccination status three years ago when he misled the NFL about being “immunized.” Smith slammed Rodgers for reigniting that debate, calling it a “petty and unnecessary” move that undermined his argument.
3. Misinterpreting Clark’s Comments About McAfee:
Rodgers suggested Clark was taking a jab at Pat McAfee for paying Rodgers to appear on his show. Smith clarified that Clark wasn’t criticizing McAfee but questioning why Rodgers—an athlete with a lucrative NFL contract—needed to be paid to make weekly appearances on his friend’s platform. “Clark didn’t come at McAfee; he came at the optics of Rodgers demanding payment for something that could have been a goodwill gesture,” Smith explained.
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Smith Calls Out Rodgers’ Career Decline
In his analysis, Smith didn’t hold back on critiquing Rodgers’ current trajectory as a player. “My man, ball and win because the reality is, as great as you are, you haven’t won a Super Bowl since 2010. You haven’t even been to a Super Bowl since 2010,” Smith said bluntly. “And now your career is heading in the wrong direction with the Jets’ struggles.”
Smith also argued that Rodgers is losing the public relations battle by engaging in a war of words with Clark. “You don’t want to go at Ryan Clark. That’s not a winnable situation for you, Aaron Rodgers. It’s almost as bad as the situation you’re facing wearing a Jets uniform on Sundays,” he quipped.
Clark vs. Rodgers: A War of Words
Rodgers has consistently used his weekly paid appearances on The Pat McAfee Show to fire back at Clark, accusing him of making baseless criticisms. In turn, Clark has defended his position while taking his own digs at the embattled quarterback. Smith highlighted the unusual nature of this feud, noting that it goes beyond the typical media critique.
“This isn’t just a clash between a player and a journalist,” Smith said. “This is a battle between a quarterback and a former NFL contemporary. When Rodgers comes at Clark, he’s coming at someone with equal credibility in the eyes of the league. That changes the dynamic entirely.”
Smith Praises Clark’s Integrity
Smith didn’t mince words when praising Clark’s professionalism and character, calling him a “man of high integrity” and a “principled individual who doesn’t back down from anybody.” He added, “You can’t question Ryan Clark’s credentials, professionalism, or integrity. He’s been in the trenches, won a Super Bowl, and earned his place as a respected voice in sports media.”
Smith argued that Rodgers’ attempts to discredit Clark would ultimately backfire. “You can criticize his takes, but you can’t attack his credibility. Ryan Clark is one of the most respected figures in football media, and Rodgers knows that.”
The Bigger Picture
As the feud between Rodgers and Clark continues to unfold, it highlights the growing tension between athletes and media personalities in today’s hyper-connected sports landscape. With Smith now firmly taking a side, the debate has escalated further, drawing more attention to the personal and professional dynamics at play.
For Rodgers, the conflict adds another layer of drama to a season already mired in struggles. For Clark, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate that his media career is rooted in more than just hot takes—it’s backed by experience and integrity.
Smith’s verdict is clear: in this showdown, Rodgers picked the wrong fight.
