New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers initiated a controversial exchange with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce last week on the Pat McAfee Show.
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What Happened Between Aaron Rodgers and Travis Kelce?
After the Chiefs defeated the Jets 23-20 in Week 4, Rodgers jokingly referred to Kelce as “Mr. Pfizer” on the Pat McAfee Show. “Mr. Pfizer, we kind of shut him down,” Rodgers said, implying Kelce did not have a big impact on the game.
It was seen as a jab — no pun intended — at a COVID-19 and flu shot vaccine commercial that Kelce appeared in. Kelce’s mother, Donna, was featured in the commercial as well and is partnered with Pfizer.
Kelce was asked about it after the show aired and responded.
“With the stache right now, I look like a guy named Mr. Pfizer. Who knew I’d get into a vax war with Aaron Rodgers? Mr. Pfizer vs. the Johnson & Johnson family over there,” Kelce said to reporters.
MORE: Travis Kelce’s Latest Jersey Sale Numbers
Kelce stated that he is fine with Rodgers referring to him as “Mr. Pfizer” and stands by his decision to get the vaccine.
Travis Kelce on Aaron Rodgers calling him “Mr. Pfizer” on Tuesday:
“I thought it was pretty good. With the mustache, I look like someone named Mr. Pfizer. Who knew I'd get into vax wars with Aaron Rodgers, man? Mr. Pfizer against the Johnson and Johnson family over there.”… https://t.co/gTNfrcmnv1 pic.twitter.com/KubjHD0gEr
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 6, 2023
Is There Bad Blood Between Rodgers and Kelce?
Kelce joked about the exchange, took the high road, and denied all claims that there was bad blood. Nonetheless, controversy is building around the exchange.
Rodgers’ affiliation with Johnson & Johnson contradicts his previous stance on vaccinations and the decision to call Kelce “Mr. Pfizer.”
After testing positive for COVID-19 in 2021, he misled the media into believing he was not vaccinated, nor wanted to be. Once criticized, he claimed he could only receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to an allergy.
During his weekly return to the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers publicly invited Kelce to have a debate about vaccines. He claimed there was no war between the two, but it appeared there was unfinished business on his end.