In a revealing segment of his Netflix docu-series “Aaron Rodgers: Enigma,” the NFL star Aaron Rodgers shed light on the longstanding feud with his brother, Jordan Rodgers. The roots of this familial rift go back several years, prominently showcased during Jordan’s appearance on the reality dating show “The Bachelorette” in 2016.
During that season, which starred JoJo Fletcher, a pivotal moment unfolded when Jordan invited his love interest to meet his family. While the dining table was set with ample chairs, one was conspicuously vacant, a stark reminder of Aaron’s absence. The scene was amplified by cameras, presenting two empty seats at the table, presumably intended for Aaron and his partner. This moment has stuck in the minds of viewers and directly led to questions about the brothers’ complicated relationship.
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In the docu-series, Aaron didn’t hold back. Reflecting on the incident, he expressed his thoughts about the show’s portrayal of their family dynamics. “I thought the best way to do it was just don’t talk about it publicly,” he explained, highlighting how his family’s decision to air that moment further deepened the divide. He said, “They go on a bulls*** show and leave two empty chairs. [A] stupid dating show that my brother just went on to get famous — his words, not mine.” The absence of Aaron at that family gathering was a direct hit to their relationship, one that still echoes in their communication today.
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Adding to this narrative, Ian O’Conner, Aaron’s biographer, emphasized this irritation in his recent book “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers.” He noted that Aaron felt particularly upset with the family’s decision to film such a personal moment. The empty chairs became a symbol of the underlying strife, and it’s clear that the situation left Aaron feeling misunderstood and alienated.
Originally, Aaron attempted to deflect questions regarding the fallout when the Bachelorette episode premiered. At a training camp press conference for the Green Bay Packers in July 2016, he maintained a cool demeanor, telling reporters, “I haven’t seen the show, to be honest with you.” He further claimed he wouldn’t comment on the details but wished his brother well in his dating endeavors. However, behind this composed exterior, Aaron’s irritation simmered just beneath the surface.
This frustration became public knowledge after an incident at a celebrity golf tournament later that summer, where Aaron was approached by a fan who mistakenly referred to him as Jordan’s brother. Craig Rigsbee, a close friend of Aaron, recounted the encounter, noting, “F***ing [Aaron] looked over there and he was legitimately pissed off and shook his head.” This reaction clearly conveyed the emotional toll that the reality show and its representation of his family had taken on him.
Fast forward to January 2022, it appeared that the brothers were making strides towards reconciliation. Reports surfaced that Aaron and Jordan had begun to communicate more openly, hinting at a potential healing of their relationship. However, the dream of a full reconciliation was short-lived. Later that year, Aaron made the decision to skip Jordan’s wedding to JoJo Fletcher, a choice that left a lasting impression on their relationship. As noted by a source, “Aaron missed out on his big day and that’s something Jordan’s never going to forget.”
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This ongoing saga offers a glimpse into the life of two brothers navigating the complex intersection of fame, family, and personal relationships. As they each find their way in the spotlight, the hope for a more united Rodgers family remains, albeit with significant hurdles still to clear.
With both brothers achieving their own brands of fame, the tension between them continues to be of interest to fans, not just of the NFL but of reality television as well. Time will tell if this familial bond can mend completely or if it will remain a notable chapter in their storied lives.
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