Aaron Rodgers addresses controversial hug with NFL reporter

Aaron Rodgers has spoken out after he was dragged into controversy for hugging an NFL reporter after a Green Bay victory.

Erin Andrews and Aaron Rodgers shared a controversial hug. Photo: Getty Images/Twitter.

Aaron Rodgers is a hugger.

That was the Packers quarterback’s response to backlash about his maskless hug with NFL reporter Erin Andrews after a socially-distanced interview following Green Bay’s win against the Browns on Christmas Day.

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The New York Post reports during his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers defended hugging his “friend” on the field at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

“Look, I’ve known EA for a long time and I think the whole thing is obviously a little bit strange. You’ve got to do some eight feet apart interview,” Rodgers said.

“And that’s my friend. That’s the same way I’d hug a friend seeing them on the field, or hug a guy on the opposing team that you have respect for and you play against. Look, I do what I’m told in those situations about keeping distance, but I’m a hugger and I enjoy seeing my friends post-game.”

Rodgers was naming past and present broadcasters he’s enjoyed working with and watching through the years, including the late John Madden, when McAfee hashed up the situation with Andrews.

When Rodgers said Andrews is someone he enjoys working with, McAfee jokingly called out the quarterback.

“You guys need to not hug each other,” he yelled, as Rodgers shared a laugh with his former teammate AJ Hawk.

Saw a lot online with people saying Erin Andrews was mad about Aaron Rodgers “forcing” a hug after last week’s game. Apparently she got over it. pic.twitter.com/4m4jzRydA1

— Joe Bryant (@Football_Guys) December 26, 2021

Rodgers and Andrews conducted a near three-minute interview on Fox after the quarterback’s milestone day in the win over Cleveland on December 25.

He went 24 of 34 for 202 yards with three touchdown passes to increase his career total to 445 — surpassing Brett Favre to become Green Bay’s all-time leader in touchdown passes.

Rodgers and Andrews ended the interview with a quick exchange and a high-five, followed by a hug, which critics condemned on social media due to the fact neither were wearing masks.

Rodgers has already been under fire for previous comments he made about his stance on the Covid-19 vaccine. He confirmed in November he is unvaccinated while on the The Pat McAfee Show, days after he tested positive for the virus.

A few months prior, Rodgers told reporters at an August press conference that he is “immunised”, when asked about his vaccination status.

This article first appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Aaron Rodgers addresses controversial hug with NFL reporter