Aaron Rodgers Reveals Declining Offer to Join Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Vice President Pick
Find out how Aaron Rodgers was considered as a potential VP candidate by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his independent ticket
Aaron Rodgers Says He Turned Down Being Robert F Kennedy s Running Mate
Aaron Rodgers, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Getty Images (2)
Vice President Aaron Rodgers was never a likely choice for the 2024 Presidential Election, but he revealed that he was briefly considered as a potential running mate by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
During a press conference for the New York Jets on Tuesday, May 21, Rodgers shared that he was on Kennedy's shortlist before deciding to withdraw from consideration.
Rodgers, 40, expressed his admiration for Bobby, stating, "I love Bobby. We had some great conversations. However, I had to choose between retiring to be his VP or continuing to play. I decided to keep playing because I want to."
Kennedy plans to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming fall election, positioning himself as a different option from current President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Despite this, polling shows him trailing behind the two main party nominees in third place.
Rodgers has mentioned his intention to support Kennedy, and they both share similar views on various topics, such as vaccinations. The quarterback has been one of the most well-known athletes in the country to decline the COVID-19 vaccine and has been criticized for spreading misinformation about COVID vaccines.
Similarly, Kennedy, who is the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, has also been accused of spreading misinformation and currently leads the anti-vaccine advocacy group Children’s Health Defense, previously known as the World Mercury Project.
Rodgers can now focus on the upcoming NFL season without politics in the picture. After playing only one game in 2023 due to an achilles injury, he is back on the field for the Jets' offseason workouts. Rodgers expressed his satisfaction with the practices, enjoying the feeling of being active and moving freely without any lingering concerns. He mentioned that his strength and movement are in good shape, with the only thing left to build is his confidence.
Rodgers is preparing for another NFL season, but he is aware that the end of his career is approaching.
"As you age in the league, if you don't perform well, they will replace you with someone else," he said. "It happened in Green Bay when I was younger. I aim to play at a high level, be productive and competitive, and let everything else fall into place."
The Jets will open their season on Monday, September 9, against the San Francisco 49ers.
Editor's P/S:
Aaron Rodgers' withdrawal from consideration as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s running mate is unsurprising given the quarterback's focus on his NFL career. His decision reflects the potential conflict between politics and sports, especially with the upcoming election season. While Rodgers expresses admiration for Kennedy, his choice to prioritize football demonstrates that he understands the demands of both worlds.
It's important to note that both Rodgers and Kennedy have faced criticism for their views on vaccinations. However, Rodgers' decision to support Kennedy despite these concerns highlights the complexities of political alliances. While their shared stance on vaccinations may align, it remains to be seen how this will impact Kennedy's campaign and Rodgers' reputation.
