Aaron Rodgers has long been a divisive figure in sports. Netflix’s new docuseries, “Aaron Rodgers: Enigma,” provides fans with an even closer look into the quarterback’s complex personality.
Gotham Chopra directed the series, which debuted on Netflix on Dec. 17. The series dived deep into the New York Jets quarterback’s unconventional lifestyle, controversial moments, and spiritual journey. Fans get firsthand access to Rodgers’ recovery from his Achilles injury and his Costa Rican ayahuasca retreat, but the director even gives his opinion on why the former Green Bay Packers legend is still single.
‘Aaron Rodgers: Enigma’ Director Gives Intriguing Details About the Jets QB
Ever since the project got underway, Chopra has spent countless hours with the 41-year-old quarterback. In his interview with Time magazine, he didn’t shy away from discussing Rodgers’ polarizing traits. “He’s enigmatic to the rest of us because he’s sort of enigmatic to himself still,” Chopra said.
He even addressed Rodgers’ bachelor status, adding, “There’s a reason he’s a single guy and doesn’t have kids. He’s still unpacking himself.” Rodgers has had a history of high-profile relationships, including his broken engagement to actress Shailene Woodley. According to People, the Jets QB engaged in other relationships with Jessica Szorh, Olivia Munn, Kelly Rohrbach, and Danica Patrick.
The documentary is said to have its controversial moments, too, including Rodgers’ infamous 2021 “immunized” statement regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Chopra believes that the QB’s tendency to polarize is not intentional but exhausting, even for Rodgers. “He doesn’t get off on it; it’s not fun to have so many critics,” Chopra explained.
“I don’t think he necessarily enjoys it. He’s sort of gotten to the point where he doesn’t give a s**t anymore, and he’s not going to hold back his opinions,” the director added.
Despite this, “Enigma” avoids certain hot-button topics, like Rodgers’ feud with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and his longstanding estrangement from his family. Chopra defended this decision, stating, “I never felt an obligation of, ‘Well, let’s go get his parents’ side of the story.’ I’m sure there is one. And I didn’t want to do something that was confrontational.”
Chopra informed that Rodgers’ dedication to his spiritual and self-exploratory journey is a recurring theme in the docuseries. “There’ll be more ayahuasca and darkness retreats and stuff like that. And he will continue on that journey,” the 49-year-old director suggested.
Rodgers’ Most Recent Controversy
During his latest appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers went on a rant about sports hosts trying to stay relevant today. Rodgers specifically targeted former players who “nobody remembers what they did in their career,” arguing that they make certain comments to stay in the conversation.
Reacting to these statements, Clark made bold comments about Rodgers, explicitly calling him tone-deaf, unaware, and arrogant, among other things. The 41-year-old quarterback said both non-former players and former players who become hosts later in life make criticisms to stay relevant fame-wise. Clark replied, “I’m actually not upset about what he’s saying because I ain’t no hit dog, and you know a hit dog will holler.”
“My issue with him is you’re doing the exact same thing. And the reason that you’re getting this opportunity to say these asinine things is because someone is paying you who is exactly the same thing that you’re now speaking out against,” he continued.
“This dude is once again tone-deaf, this dude is once again unaware … to a point that’s almost sickening because he says these things and he talks tough and he behaves in this way, but he ain’t, right? He has all of this cache because he’s a good player.”