"It means a lot to me": When Aaron Rodgers paid ode to President Barack Obama's personal letter

NFL legend and a future Hall of Famer, Aaron Rodgers is known for his on-field game awareness and skills. But he is also known for his off-field antics and controversies.

However, Rodgers is smart enough to deflect these matters quickly. Regardless, he doesn’t shy away from expressing his viewpoint in the media, including his opinion on politics.

So, back in September 2017, he had an interview with Mina Kimes of ESPN where he spoke about his straight-edge media statements and a special letter from the former US President Barack Obama.

“Which is something I still have and means a lot to me," he says while referring to the letter. "A lot of times, you'll go back, and even with this interview, I'll go back and say, 'Maybe I should have said this.' But in that moment, I said exactly what I wanted to say.”

The 'Thank You' letter from President Obama was for a special incident that occurred during a post-game media conference in November 2015. The Packers faced the Lions for a match at Lambeau Field, which they lost 18-16.

However, before the match, a fan shouted anti-Islamic slogans because of a recent terrorist attack in Paris. The slogan triggered Rodgers, who didn’t hesitate to call out the fan in the media. Rodgers said:

“I must admit, though, I was very disappointed with whoever the fan was who made a comment that I thought was really inappropriate during the moment of silence. It’s that kind of prejudicial ideology that I think puts us in the position that we’re in today, as a world.”

Rodgers proudly claimed that despite his open conversation on political issues, he doesn’t identify with any political party. Yet, he never hesitates to speak on common civic issues and human rights.

Aaron Rodgers and Barack Obama share appreciative comments

The goodwill between former President Obama and A-Rod is mutual. Obama, a Bear fan since childhood, acknowledged A-Rod’s gameplay during an interview with Bill Simmons for GQ.

“Rodgers in the pocket, in the sense of you can’t be distracted by what’s around you, you’ve got to be looking downfield. And I think that’s a quality that I have — not getting flustered in what’s around me.”

Rodgers was excited by the news and appreciated the comment in his own way.

“Well, I know that’s probably tough for him because he’s a big Bear fan; I appreciate that,” Rodgers told ESPN.

Despite the comments, Rodgers knows that the President’s job is a lot tougher than being a QB. So, A-Rod feels that such a comment from a former President is the highest form of respect from him.