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.
During his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” Tuesday, 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 8-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 postgame.”
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 A.J. Hawk.
Aaron Rodgers during the Packers’ game against the Vikings. Getty ImagesRodgers and Andrews conducted a near-three-minute interview on Fox after the quarterback’s milestone day in the win over Cleveland on Dec. 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 was wearing a mask.
Rodgers has already been under fire for previous comments he made about his stance on the COVID-19 vaccine. He confirmed in November that he is unvaccinated while on the “The Pat McAfee Show,” days after he tested positive for COVID-19.
A few months prior, Rodgers told reporters at an August press conference that he was “immunized” when asked about his vaccination status.
Rodgers and the Packers have already clinched home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.
The Packers will close out the regular season on Sunday in Detroit.
