NFL: Aaron Rodgers ‘focusing on the support’ he got on COVID vaccine stance

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned to the football field on Sunday after a 10-day break. The three-time NFL MVP helped his side beat Seattle Seahawks 17-0. 

Rodgers went 23 for 37 for 292 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. AJ Dillon scored two rushing touchdowns for the Packers, who improved to 8-2. They’re tied with the Arizona Cardinals, who lost to Green Bay earlier.

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Rodgers was emotional after the game. Unvaccinated, he was not included in the Packers’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday due to the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols. The 37-year-old then quarantined for 10 days. 

“A lot of emotions, for sure. Good to be back with the guys, good to be back at home, good to be back on the field, really. Most emotions from the whole night was probably walking off the field after the game. Definitely got me a little misty heading off. So that was good to feel all those emotions and good to be back with the guys,” Rodgers said after the game. 

The star quarterback did not practice all week. After his positive test, Rodgers spoke about his reasons for seeking alternatives to vaccination and skepticism about the effectiveness of vaccines. 

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“Everybody has an opinion and I understand that it’s a very polarizing issue for some individuals but I’m just focusing on the support that I got and it was deep and wide, and greatly appreciated,” Rodgers said.

“There’s always going to be criticism in this world. I don’t define myself by the criticism but I understand it’s a part of this because this issue is definitely polarizing. But again, I’m just so deeply grateful for all the people that reached out.”