Rodgers, 40, suggested during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on January 2 that Kimmel is connected to the "list" of associates of Jeffrey Epstein, the former financier arrested on sex-trafficking charges in 2019.
Rodgers didn't provide any reason or evidence to support linking Kimmel to the list, and the 56-year-old comedian hasn't appeared in the documents that have been released.
What Led to the Controversy?
Jimmy Kimmel is not taking lightly the recent comments made by NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers. On a few occasions, Kimmel expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, "If I make a mistake, if I say something that is dumb, which I have, you know what I do? I apologize for it—which is what Aaron Rodgers should do," Kimmel said.
"Which is what a decent person would do, but I bet he won't. If he does, you know what I'll do? I'll accept his apology and move on."
How Did Rodgers Respond to Kimmel's Monologue?
Rodgers was back on the podcast Tuesday—hours after Kimmel's scathing monologue—and didn't offer an apology to the TV host. Instead, he said his comments were misinterpreted and that he wasn't trying to insinuate Kimmel was involved in any criminal activity. "I'm not stupid enough to accuse you of that with absolutely zero evidence, concrete evidence.
That's ridiculous," Rodgers said.
Why Won't Rodgers Appear on McAfee's Show Again?
After the appearance drew even more attention to the spat, McAfee announced on his show Wednesday that Rodgers won't appear again through the rest of the NFL season.
What Has Kimmel Said About Rodgers in the Past?
Yes, Kimmel has joked about Rodgers on his show before. In November 2021, Kimmel slammed Rodgers in a monologue after the quarterback lied about his COVID-19 vaccination status and contracted the virus during the NFL season.
What Was Rodgers' Joke About Travis Kelce?
In October 2023, Rodgers jokingly referred to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce as "Mr. Pfizer" on McAfee's show. The 34-year-old Kelce, who has been one of the NFL's most visible players amid his relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, appeared in a commercial for the drug company to help promote the coronavirus and flu vaccines.
Who Owns Rodgers' Current Team, the New York Jets?
Woody Johnson and Christopher Johnson—the great-grandsons of Johnson & Johnson co-founder Robert Wood Johnson—own Rodgers' current team, the New York Jets.
When Were Rodgers and Kelce Photographed Together?
Just days prior to the controversy, Rodgers and Kelce had been photographed smiling together on the field when the Jets and Chiefs faced off on October 1.
