Aaron Rodgers Says He Had 'Stunted Emotional Intelligence’ Growing Up Because His Dad Didn't Cry (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Aaron Rodgersis opening up about the impact his father had on his ability to understand emotions.

The clip opens with Rodgers — whosepublic rift with his familydates back to 2014 — as he participates in an ayahuasca ceremony.

“I think part of the real joy in this work, is, there is such a feminine spirit to ayahuasca,” he says, suggesting that the psychedelic drug allows users to “model a new way of thinking about masculinity, or what it means to be a man.”

Rodgers, wearing a white tank top and sweatpants as ceremonious rituals are performed around him, says ayahuasca allows him to access “the balance between the divine masculine and the divine feminine.”

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #8 at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024.Brooke Sutton/Getty

Brooke Sutton/Getty

Rodgers, no stranger tocriticism for his use of psychedelicsover the years, then shares that he only ever saw his father,Ed Rodgers, cry once. “I think I saw my dad cry when my grandfather passed. And that might have been it.”

“There wasn’t space for emotion,” the quarterback recalls of his home growing up. “So, I definitely had some stunted emotional intelligence.”

Reflecting on his public perception, Rodgers says, “People who haven’t been around me a lot have this idea of who I am or whatnot, and in these situations, you start to peel back some of those layers of who they think you are, and start getting deep, and getting emotional.”

The Jets star says that getting “emotional” and “being able to tap into that divine feminine and be vulnerable” is “what it means to be a well-balanced man,” before the clip ends.

Aaron Rodgers.Michael Owens/Getty

Michael Owens/Getty

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The upcoming three-part documentary addresses Rodgers' controversial views and major moments that have landed the NFL star in headlines over the years.

Viewers will also see the pro athlete discuss his 2023season-ending torn Achillesin the series. The trailer shows discussions from various reports on whether or not Rodgers should consider retiring from the sport.

source: people.com