Aaron Rodgers is making headlines before the season even starts, and this time it's not about his arm. During a Monday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the Steelers quarterback took an unexpected swipe at Dr. Anthony Fauci, calling him a “coward” for not testifying before Congress. The comment came out of nowhere, but it didn't take long for Fauci's legal team to respond.
David Schertler, Fauci's attorney, didn't mince words when asked about Rodgers' remarks. “Aaron Rodgers doesn't know what he's talking about,” Schertler told The Athletic. “He should stick to football.” It's a sharp retort from a lawyer who's used to defending his client against political attacks, but this time the target is a four-time MVP who's gearing up for what he says is his final NFL season.
Rodgers' Unexpected Jab
During the McAfee interview, Rodgers was asked about his expectations for the upcoming season. Instead of talking X's and O's, he pivoted to Fauci. “I'm gonna plead the 5th. Like that absolute coward Tony Fauci,” Rodgers said. “Absolute coward. Are you kidding me? What are you scared of Tony? I thought you were science.” The comment drew immediate reactions, but Rodgers didn't elaborate further.
This isn't the first time Rodgers has waded into controversial territory. He's previously clashed with ESPN over coverage and has been open about his skepticism of mainstream narratives. But this latest exchange has put the Steelers in an awkward position, especially with training camp underway.
McCarthy Steers Clear
When asked about Rodgers' comments on Tuesday, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy deftly avoided taking sides. “You know, these are – they're grown men. They all have different opinions. There's no question about that,” McCarthy said. “But, you know, end of the day, my job is to keep it about football, keep the focus on winning. That's why we're here.”
McCarthy's response is typical of a coach who wants to keep the locker room focused. The Steelers signed Rodgers to a deal worth up to $25 million this offseason, and they're banking on him to lead them deep into the playoffs. In 2025, Rodgers completed 66.5% of his passes for 3,327 yards, with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions — numbers that suggest he's still got plenty left in the tank.
Rodgers has also made it clear that 2026 will be his last ride, adding extra weight to every game. But off-field distractions like this could become a recurring theme, especially with a player who's never shied away from speaking his mind.
What's Next?
For now, the ball is in Rodgers' court. He hasn't responded to Schertler's jab, and the Steelers are hoping the whole thing blows over quickly. But with Rodgers, you never know when the next headline will drop. One thing's for sure: this story isn't going away quietly.
As the season approaches, fans will be watching to see if Rodgers can keep his focus on football — or if these off-field feuds become a distraction. Given his history, it's a fair question. But if there's one thing we've learned about Aaron Rodgers, it's that he's never afraid to speak his mind, no matter the consequences.
