Aaron Rodgers fires back at Danica Patrick over 2020 split as conflicting breakup stories spark a new controversy

Aaron Rodgers has fired back at Danica Patrick over her comments about their 2020 breakup, strongly denying her version of their relationship. During the September 10 episode of the “Not Just Football” podcast, Rodgers called the idea that he was a “monster partner” false and questioned why Patrick was still discussing their relationship years later. He also gave his own account of what led to their split.Aaron Rodgers responds to Danica Patrick’s emotional abuse claimsRodgers’ comments came after Patrick spoke about their relationship on “The Sage Steele Show” in May 2025. She described the relationship as “emotionally abusive” and said the breakup was the most painful experience of her life. Patrick also said Rodgers “leaves a trail of blood,” while explaining how badly the relationship affected her.Rodgers strongly pushed back on that account during his conversation with Pittsburgh Steelers teammate Cam Heyward. He said people only seem interested in the stories told by his former partners when his name is included.“So I’m this monster of a partner and it’s just fing horses,” Rodgers said. “Number one: Why are you still talking about me? It’s been years.”He then turned to his relationship with Patrick, saying she had recently retired from racing when they were together and, in his view, was struggling at the time.“I dated Danica. She had just retired. She was depressed and not fun to be around,” Rodgers said.Rodgers claimed he stayed because he wanted to support her and be a good partner. He said their relationship later changed, with “no intimacy” and little left between them.Aaron Rodgers and Danica Patrick’s breakup story differsRodgers also gave details about a house he was buying in Malibu. According to his account, Patrick asked whether they should buy it together. Rodgers said he declined, and the conversation made it clear to both of them that their relationship was heading toward an end.Patrick then suggested counseling, Rodgers said. The two went to counseling, but the situation became more difficult when the COVID-19 pandemic began and they were stuck together.That is very different from how Patrick later described the breakup. On “The Sage Steele Show,” she said the 2020 split felt sudden because her life had become closely tied to Rodgers. She said the relationship had damaged her confidence and left her emotionally drained.Rodgers said he was confused by Patrick’s later description of the breakup as being blindsided.“She tells a story that she was so blindsided and getting left by you, and that he leaves a trail of blood. And I’m like, what are you talking about? That’s not what happened,” he said.Rodgers and Patrick dated for about two years before ending their relationship in July 2020. After their split, Rodgers began dating actress Shailene Woodley. They became engaged in 2021, but later ended their relationship.Rodgers also mentioned another former girlfriend during the podcast without naming her. He said he believes some former partners have shared their side of past relationships in ways that bring attention only because of his name.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.