State Farm releases statement on Aaron Rodgers amid controversy

One of Aaron Rodgers’ biggest sponsors is sticking with the Green Bay Packers quarterback after controversy surrounding his vaccination status. State Farm released a statement via the media on Monday, which indicated they plan to work with the NFL MVP in the future.

“Aaron Rodgers has been a great ambassador for our company for much of the past decade,” a company spokeswoman said in a statement to Christine Brennan of USA Today. “We don’t support some of the statements that he has made, but we respect his right to have his own personal point of view.

“We recognize our customers, employees, agents and brand ambassadors come from all walks of life, with differing viewpoints on many issues. Our mission at State Farm is to support safer, stronger communities. To that end, we encourage vaccinations, but respect everyone’s right to make a choice based on their personal circumstances.”

Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 last week and under NFL protocols, he has to quarantine for 10 days. The controversy lies in a response he gave to the media in August about his vaccination status. The QB told Packers beat reporters that he was immunized. However, he was not vaccinated, leading some to believe he purposely intended to deceive.

Despite State Farm’s statement of support, the company may have taken steps to limit how much the Green Bay star showed up in ads this weekend. Rodgers showed up in 25% of the company’s televised ads over the past two weeks. However, after the controversy, Rodgers only popped up in 1.5% of their ads this weekend, according to Apex Marketing Group.

Wisconsin health provider cuts ties with Rodgers

NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport reported on Saturday that longtime Aaron Rodgers sponsor Prevea Health was ending its partnership with the Packers’ quarterback, less than 24 hours after his controversial response.

The first part of the official statement is clear and concise. It states the two parties were breaking off their agreement effective immediately. It also noted the role Rodgers played as a partner for the last nine years.

Prevea Health and Aaron Rodgers have made the decision to end their partnership effective Nov. 6, 2021,” the statement began.

Aaron has been a partner with Prevea Health, serving as a spokesperson and supporting the organization’s health and wellness initiatives throughout Wisconsin, since 2012.

The second half of the statement was eye-opening. It alluded that this week’s COVID controversy with Rodgers was the only reason for the termination of the longtime partnership.

Prevea health remains deeply committed to protecting its patients, staff, providers and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes encouraging and helping all eligible populations to become vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent the virus from further significantly impacting lives and livelihoods.

There will be no additional information or interviews available from Prevea Health regarding this subject.

Packers QB discusses controversy

In a lengthy appearance on Pat McAfee’s podcast, Rodgers didn’t mince his words when defending himself against the barrage of criticism that came his way throughout the week.

I just want to say that is what the media has been trying to do,” Rodgers said. “They’re trying to shame and out and cancel all of us non-vaccinated people, call us selfish. That’s the propaganda line, too: ‘You’re selfish for making the decision that’s in the best interest of your body.’

“Now, I’ve already spelled out — which I didn’t have to — but I spelled out the issues of my own personal body and my own personal health.”

It’s unclear so far whether Rodgers will be able to play in Week 10.