Aaron Rodgers addresses Danica Patrick’s 'emotionally abusive' claims

Aaron Rodgers discusses his Danica Patrick breakup, lack of intimacy and public claims about their relationship today

Aaron Rodgers has opened up about his relationship with former professional racer Danica Patrick, describing their time together as emotionally difficult and saying there was a lack of intimacy between them.

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, 42, discussed his relationship with Patrick, 44, during an appearance on the Not Just Football podcast on September 10. The pair began dating in 2018, shortly after Patrick retired from racing, and split in July 2020.

Rodgers said Patrick was struggling emotionally after retiring and that he stayed because he wanted to support her and be a good partner. However, he claimed their relationship eventually became distant.

“There was no intimacy. There was nothing,” Rodgers said while speaking to host and Steelers teammate Cam Heyward.

He also recalled purchasing a house in Malibu and declining when Patrick suggested they buy it together. Rodgers said the couple later attended counselling before eventually ending their relationship.

The NFL star disputed Patrick’s description of their breakup. In a 2025 interview, Patrick described Rodgers as “emotionally abusive” and said the relationship had left her feeling depleted. She also claimed she had been blindsided by the split.

Rodgers said that account did not reflect his recollection of the relationship and rejected the idea that he had simply left Patrick without explanation.

During the podcast, Rodgers also reflected on his relationship with Brittani, whom he had met before dating Patrick. He said he regretted not asking Brittani to stay with him when she moved to Europe and described himself as emotionally unavailable for several years.

Rodgers also referenced his relationship with actress Shailene Woodley, saying public narratives surrounding both relationships often failed to reflect what happened privately.