Award
Aaron Rodgers: Never Invited to 2016 "Bachelorette" Dinner Exposing Family Rift
2024-12-17
In a highly anticipated Netflix documentary set to premiere on Tuesday, the renowned NFL star Aaron Rodgers casts new light on a significant event from 2016 - the infamous Bachelorette dinner scene. This scene not only introduced viewers and NFL fans alike to the estranged relationship Rodgers has with his family but also provided insights into the underlying factors that led to this rift.
Unraveling the Family Drama of Aaron Rodgers
The Dinner Scene and Its Impact
In 2016, at the Rodgers family home, a dinner date took place that would forever change the narrative. Jordan Rodgers, then a contestant on JoJo Fletcher’s season of The Bachelorette, brought his girlfriend home to meet the family. However, Aaron Rodgers, the 41-year-old NFL star, was notably absent. This absence was emphasized by the presence of two empty chairs at the table, representing him and his then-girlfriend Olivia Munn. The dinner scene became a symbol of the fractured relationship Rodgers has with his family, particularly his younger brother Jordan and older brother Luke.This event was not just a one-time occurrence but had a lasting impact on Rodgers and his family. It opened the floodgates to a deeper exploration of the issues that had been brewing beneath the surface for years.Rodgers' Perspective on Family Ties
Rodgers explains that he was never "super duper close with everybody" in his family. While he was close to Jordan during his childhood, various events such as those from high school, college, and post-college life created distance between them. He chose to keep these feelings to himself, believing that the best approach was to avoid discussing them publicly. However, his family's actions at the Bachelorette dinner - leaving two empty chairs - deeply hurt him.He reflects on how he never sought the off-the-field fame that came with his football career. Appearing in high-profile television commercials and dating multiple celebrities like Olivia Munn, Shailene Woodley, and Danica Patrick only added to the complexity of his life. There were many times when he heard from family members asking him to be "smaller" and not talk about his life, which always pained him as he felt they didn't truly understand him.The Influence of Fame and Personal Beliefs
The New York Jets star acknowledges that fame can indeed change the people around one's circle and be intoxicating. His rising profile after winning the Super Bowl in 2010 and his first NFL MVP Award the next season led to changes in his relationships, not only with friends but also with family.Rodgers also credits his interest in "other religions and plant medicine" as contributing factors to the family rift. He respects his family's choice to be engaged in organized religion but believes that his own path has shaped him into who he is today.The Hope for Reconciliation
In the end, despite the years of ups and downs in their relationship, Rodgers expresses hope for ending the family feud with his brothers. He doesn't wish any ill-will on them and sees their differences as part of the unique journey each of them is on. He hopes that one day, they can find a way to heal and move forward together.This documentary serves as a window into the complex world of Aaron Rodgers and his family, offering a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped their lives and relationships.