Aaron Rodgers will be remembered as one of the QBs to define the game. Along with his former NFL MVP, A-Rod will also be remembered for his outspoken attitude. However, he was smart enough to present his points even while speaking on the most controversial topics.
Rodgers spoke with Michele Tafoya of Artful Living in August 2018 and revealed his feelings on an impending issue within the NFL at the moment.
“The issue is one that’s uncomfortable for a lot of people. And to me, that’s what it’s all about: People aren’t ready to talk about race relations, social inequality, social injustice — the real issues. And that’s disappointing.”
Aaron Rodgers shows support for Colin Kaepernick's cause
To understand the context, we must go back to 2016, when Colin Kaepernick took a stand against racial and social injustice in the US. Initially, he would sit during the national anthem, but later he switched to kneeling.
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Despite his noble objectives, Kaepernick was axed silently from the league. Though he ended his contract with the 49ers in 2015, he tried signing up in 2016 as a free agent but was never called upon again by anyone.
Despite Kaepernick’s absence, the issue lingered in the NFL for years, with Rodgers and other players showing support for the cause.
“But it’s wrapped up in the guise — G-U-I-S-E — of the anthem and the flag. I think two things are true about the movement. One, that we all love the troops and have the utmost respect for these men and women giving their lives and the ones who have gone before,” Rodgers further added.
“And the other truth is that there are more than three people who feel strongly that social injustice is an issue that we need to tackle head-on. Those things I know to be true.”
Rodgers was referring to himself, interviewer Michele and Kaepernick here.
Aaron Rodgers swiftly denies kneeling at the anthem
In another interview with ESPN in 2017, Rodgers also expressed his disappointment and sympathy when Kaepernick wasn’t signed up by anyone. Although no official statement was released by anyone, the rumor is that nobody wanted the controversial figure in the camp.
"I think [Kaepernick] should be on a roster right now,” Rodgers stated, adding, “I think because of his protests, he’s not.”
When asked if he’d like to join the protest, Rodgers responded:
"I'm gonna stand because that's the way I feel about the flag — but I'm also 100 percent supportive of my teammates or any fellow players who are choosing not to,” Rodgers said.
As expected, Rodgers was swift with his response by calmly rejecting the offer.
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