Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been suggested as a potential vice presidential candidate by presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. And Rodgers has indicated that he is willing to consider it.
The concept is being taken seriously to the extent that it was reported by The New York Times, which first published the story.
“Yes, Mr. Kennedy did tell the New York Times that he’s thinking about Aaron Rodgers and Jesse Ventura as running mates, along with others on a short list,” RFK Jr.’s campaign informed Heavy via email.
The Times stated that RFK Jr. has approached Rodgers about being his VP, and Rodgers is not dismissing the idea. Kennedy, an independent presidential candidate, has not formally made the offer, and it's uncertain whether Rodgers would accept. However, the QB and RFK Jr. share similar views on vaccines, and Rodgers has a history of supporting Kennedy. The former Green Bay Packer last expressed his support for RFK Jr. on March 8.
NBC News verified The Times’ report indicating that this notion is indeed genuine.
Certainly, that must make the Jets quite nervous.
On March 8, the New York Jets’ website declared, “Jets QB Aaron Rodgers ‘Hopeful’ He Can Play 3 to 4 More Seasons.” The article, which was published before the VP news broke, stated that Rodgers “will return to the field in 2024 after rupturing his Achilles tendon four snaps into his Jets regular-season debut.” A surprising political turn in Rodgers’ career would clearly unsettle the Jets.
Here’s what you need to know:
Aaron Rodgers Has ‘Welcomed the Overtures,’ the Report Says
GettyNew York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers reacting in the middle of an NFL game.
The Times initially based its reporting on two unnamed sources but then revealed that Kennedy himself had confirmed that Rodgers was at the top of his list – along with another unusual choice.
That person is Jesse Ventura, the former professional wrestler who was once elected the governor of Minnesota, running as a Reform Party candidate.
“He’s considering Aaron Rodgers and Jesse Ventura as running mates, along with others on a short list,” a spokesperson for the Kennedy campaign told NBC on March 12. “No other details available.”
According to the Times, Rodgers has actually “welcomed the overtures,” as has Ventura. According to The Times, it was not known whether RFK Jr. had actually offered either man the position versus just floating the idea.
Kennedy told The Times that he “had been speaking with Mr. Rodgers ‘pretty continuously’ for the past month.” Rodgers did not comment to the Times or other news outlets. Heavy has reached out to the Kennedy campaign for comment.
Aaron Rodgers Previously Endorsed RFK Jr. for President
This is presidential. #Kennedy24 #RFK # https://t.co/8CCoZ4k38r
— Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) March 9, 2024
Rodgers has endorsed RFK Jr. for president, NBC News reported. The QB also shared a video by RFK Jr. on March 8, reaffirming his support, and wrote on his X page, “This is presidential. #Kennedy24 #RFK.”
In that post, Rodgers shared a video by RFK Jr. that the presidential candidate posted after President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.
As per Fox News, Rodgers has express his strong support for Kennedy, once calling him “my man” and saying he would want to team up with Kennedy against Dr. Anthony Fauci and ‘Mr. Pfizer’ Travis Kelce. He made this comment on “The Pat McAfee Show,” as per The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Fox News reports that Rodgers has mentioned having an allergy to an ingredient in the vaccine. RFK Jr., a well-known environmental lawyer, has also expressed concerns about vaccines.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Rodgers previously described politics as a “sham,” indicating his lack of interest in it.
According to The Journal Sentinel, however, Rodgers stated on “The Pat McAfee Show” in October: “I believe in medical freedom and informed consent, and I’m supporting Robert Kennedy Jr.”
The Jets’ X page was silent on the VP talk.
