The ‘last chance’ narrative to prove himself is already chasing Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. What the veteran quarterback is doing instead is shaking off the criticism that comes with the labels attached to him. The reaction sparked after his remark on a former White House chief medical adviser.

“I don’t give a (crap) about anything that people think about me unless they’re in my corner and I would ask them for advice,” Rodgers told USA TODAY Sports as reported on August 5.

This comment was a reaction to how Rodgers has been in the spotlight with back-to-back critical comments. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on August 4, he criticized Anthony Fauci, calling him an “absolute coward” because of his testimony at a congressional hearing. 

While Fauci has yet to break his silence on Rodgers’ comment about him on the podcast, his attorney, David Schertler, addressed the matter in an interview with The Athletic.

“Aaron Rodgers doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” Schertler said in an email. “He should stick to football.”

However, Rodgers remained unbothered about the comments. He believes that people have already created a perception about him.

“I don’t care about the criticism from people like that,” Rodgers said. “Most people have made up their mind about me, so it doesn’t matter what I say. They’re wanting to attack your character because they think you’re MAGA or they think you’re whatever tag they put on you – conspiracy theorist, anti-science.”

During a hearing before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, led by Sen. Rand Paul, Fauci was asked about his response to the pandemic and his policy choices.

Rodgers’ comments led to Fauci’s lawyer making comments about the player.

“Aaron Rodgers doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” Fauci’s attorney, David Schertler, told The Athletic via email. “He should stick to football.”

The quarterback’s remarks on Fauci were only part of the discussion. He also caught attention for his comments regarding the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini controversy.

While Rodgers seems to have shut down the criticism, the Steelers dropped a statement after their quarterback’s appearance on the podcast. 

Reactions and updates after Aaron Rodgers’ comment on Anthony Fauci

The timing when the podcast aired was sensitive. It was telecast from Steelers training camp on Monday, Aug. 3. What was planned as an episode to let the fans know about the four-time MVP’s mindset on entering the final season led to a controversial chat.

“Discussions around culture and politics can bring differing perspectives, and our players are entitled to their own personal views,” Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said in a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports. “With respect to that, I am certain there are a variety of opinions on many topics within our locker room.”

This season, Pittsburgh has a lot to prove after a 10-7 season. So they are ensuring that the off-field controversy is not hampering their focus for the season.

“I spent two days in Latrobe, and I’m telling you, it doesn’t bleed over,” said Yahoo Sports reporter Lori Epstein. “I talked to several players, coaches, and front office members. Mike McCarthy got asked a question about Aaron Rodgers’ comments on Anthony Fauci because Rodgers had been on Pat McAfee’s show the day before. So yes, a reporter might ask the head coach, but his teammates are not focused on that.”

Even though Rodgers has attracted criticism for his off-the-field remarks, he is already chasing another Super Bowl, and believes Pittsburgh as a team has the calibre to lift another Lombardi Trophy after 2009.