Home

Olympics

“That’s What I Try to Do”: When NFL Legend Aaron Rodgers Celebrated and Took Inspiration From Simone Biles’ Bravest Career Decision

Published 11/02/2022, 11:30 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Imago

Aaron Rodgers is an NFL veteran. Rodgers started his career as a quarterback in 2005. Now 38, Rodgers is still playing for his original team, the Green Bay Packers. To stay active for so long and keep playing at a high level, Rodgers has had to maintain both his physical and mental health. So when Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles opted out of the Tokyo Olympics, Rodgers understood why she stepped away.

In a 2021 interview, Rodgers praised the gymnast’s decision and talked about taking some inspiration from her for the offseason. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Aaron Rodgers praises the Olympian’s spirit

During the 2021 interview with Yahoo Sports, Rodgers spoke about Simone Biles. The NFL legend said, “I think it’s important that we work on our mental state and as you’ve seen with Simone Biles, I think there needs to be more conversation around that,”. Simone Biles dropped out of the Tokyo Olympics citing mental health reasons. 

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Olympics stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Rodgers also said that athletes aren’t unwavering in their determination, they also have vulnerable moments. “We as athletes are often put on a pedestal that we’re not — that we’re beyond any mental hindrances or clutter”, said Aaron. The quarterback also said that the only time people highlight the mental health of athletes is when the conversation is about depression.

Aaron said he didn’t have depression. “I have a ton of respect for people who speak out in those situations.”, said Rodgers. Biles talked about her decision at length after the Olympics. She also thanked her team and coaches for their support.

Rodgers also took a page out of Simone’s book and unwinded during the 2021 offseason. Aaron said he always tries to clear the clutter from his life. “That’s what I try to do with this offseason by adjusting some habits and spending time with my loved ones.”, said the football player.

What’s Simone Biles up to?

Simone Biles is in a much better place now, mentally. The Olympic legend is currently busy making arrangements for her marriage. The Olympic gold medalist will soon tie the knot with fiance and NFL safety Jonathan Owens.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The champion gymnast also plans to return to gymnastics when she feels ready.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch this story – Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens Spend Time Away From Each Other Ahead of Wedding

While talking about the Olympian, Aaron Rodgers raised multiple crucial points. Not only did he show respect for Biles’ brave decision, but Aaron also said mental health should be the subject of discussion more often.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Sagnik Bagchi

1,819Articles

One take at a time

Sagnik Bagchi is a US Sports writer for EssentiallySports. He has completed his Bachelor's and Master's in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. He has experience working as a freelance MMA writer for Sportskeeda.
Show More>

Edited by:

Simar Singh Wadhwa