NFL star Aaron Rodgers roasted for hugging TV presenter after socially distanced interview

Green Bay Packers legend Aaron Rodgers had fans shaking their heads with what he did after a socially distanced post-match interview.

NFL star Aaron Rodgers may have broken a franchise record for the Green Bay Packers but his post-match interview was far from flawless.

The veteran quarterback enjoyed a record-setting night, and defender Rasul Douglas grabbed his second interception with 43 seconds left as the Packers edged the Cleveland Browns 24-22 in NFL action on Sunday (AEDT).

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The narrow victory saw the Packers improve to 12-3 and stay in control in the race for the top seed in the NFC playoffs.

Rodgers broke Green Bay great Brett Favre’s franchise record for touchdown passes with a TD toss to Allen Lazard in the first quarter that took his career tally to 443.

But viewers were stunned by Rodgers’ interview with Fox presenter Erin Andrews after the game, which seemed to violate basic Covid commonsense.

Rodgers and Andrews stood about two metres apart as they conducted a socially distanced interview.

However, after they concluded their chat and presumably thought the cameras had cut away from them, Rodgers approached Andrews for a high-five and a hug.

NFL fans roasted the pair’s embrace, arguing it completely defeated the purpose of being socially distanced.

*Holds socially distanced interview*

*Hugs immediately after interview*

Makes sense. pic.twitter.com/YhmGUqHc19

— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) December 26, 2021

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

Sports producer Alex Reimer tweeted: “Erin Andrews hugging Aaron Rodgers at the end of a socially distanced interview is the TV equivalent of wearing your mask on the way to the table and then taking it off for the rest of the meal.”

Radio host Scot Berham added: “Thank goodness Aaron Rodgers and Erin Andrews kept six feet apart during the interview to stay safe … before exchanging a hug together afterward.”

Erin Andrews stood like 10 feet from Aaron Rodgers on camera.
Interview ends.
Erin Andrews hugs Aaron Rodgers.
All on national TV.
And we wonder why the country is confused as hell.

— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) December 26, 2021

We just watched Erin Andrews give a socially distanced interview… then after it, hugged Aaron Rodgers after the interview was done.

Hahahahahahahahahahhaa.

— Eric July (@EricDJuly) December 26, 2021

Making the hug more baffling is the fact Rodgers is unvaccinated against Covid-19. He was sidelined earlier this season after testing positive to the virus.

Rodgers said he was allergic to one of the ingredients in Pfizer and Moderna’s mRNA vaccines and did not wish to take the Johnson & Johnson vaccine because he heard of friends’ adverse reactions to it and the fact that it was pulled over blood-clotting issues.

Rodgers decided to undergo a multiple-month homoeopathic antibody process instead.

After contracting Covid, Rodgers made waves when admitting he had taken health advice from well-known podcaster and UFC commentator Joe Rogan, as well as other medical experts before making his decision to reject the vaccination.

But it was a day to remember for Rodgers against Cleveland. A message from Favre was displayed on the jumbotron scoreboard at Lambeau, congratulating Rodgers on the achievement.

“Hey 12, congratulations, man, on passing my touchdown record,” Favre said.

“I have one request: Go get us another Super Bowl.” Rodgers, who connected on 24 of 34 passing attempts for 202 yards and three touchdowns, said that remained the ultimate aim.

Aaron Rodgers had a better day on the field than he did off it. Photo: Stacy Revere/Getty Images/AFP

“That’s the goal,” he said. “For sure this was an important one — a team fighting for their playoff lives … it’s not pretty, but it’s a win.”

Green Bay led 24-12 after a field goal early in the third quarter, but the Packers offence managed just one first down on its next three possessions, and Cleveland rallied behind a strong ground game to get within two points.

Cleveland’s final drive was near midfield when quarterback Baker Mayfield threw his fourth interception of the game, and Green Bay running back AJ Dillon ran for one final first down to run out the clock.

All three of Mayfield’s first-half interceptions led to Green Bay touchdowns.

Rodgers also connected on two scoring passes with wide receiver Davante Adams for yet another franchise record.

His 66 TD combinations with Adams surpassed the 65 shared by Rodgers and Jordy Nelson.

“I’m very fortunate to have played with the guys I played with, to be coached by the men I was coached by over the years,” Rodgers said.

He called his club passing record “a longevity record,” but added: “It’s one I’m really proud of.”

With AFP

Originally published as NFL star Aaron Rodgers roasted for hugging TV presenter after socially distanced interview