‘Furious’ ESPN Executives Reportedly Hoping Aaron Rodgers Doesn’t Lead Steelers to Super Bowl After Recent Outburst

The moment Aaron Rodgers called out Dr. Anthony Fauci while on The Pat McAfee Show, many wondered how ESPN would respond to the controversy since it was on their network.

The company has been trying to push controversial, politically charged opinions off its airwaves. One of the ways many think they are doing so is by letting go of personnel who brought up politics while on air.

Its parent organization, the Walt Disney Co., has faced a lot of losses and controversies in the past after it allowed politics to dictate its end product. Now, it is clear they do not want to engage in anything that draws unnecessary attention.

But the politics aside, ESPN was not prepared when Rodgers called out the network for shunning its journalistic duties. He was particularly incensed by how they conveniently avoided talking about Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel‘s scandal.

Now, it seems those allegations have left the network’s top personnel raging. After all, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback called them out on a show that is supposed to be ESPN’s pride and joy, and draws its biggest crowd.

‘ESPN executives are extremely unhappy with Aaron Rodgers following his comments on The Pat McAfee Show and are now weighing how they want to handle coverage of his highlights during the upcoming season,’ a source said.

The Daily Mail reported

This means that Aaron Rodgers’ controversial comments have indeed struck a nerve, and the network is thinking about how to get back at him, knowing they cannot do something publicly.

ESPN does not want Aaron Rodgers to be a part of Super Bowl LXI

Instead of publicly reprimanding either Aaron Rodgers or Pat McAfee, ESPN could get back at the Steelers QB in ways only they can, as the Daily Mail’s source continued to reveal.

The feeling internally is that there is little desire to go out of the network’s way to promote Rodgers after he publicly criticized ESPN… ‘Looking ahead, on the minds of many at ESPN, is that most are crossing their fingers that the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t reach the Super Bowl.

The Daily Mail revealed

The source pointed out that the network and its personnel might not want to work with the 42-year-old if he were to reach Super Bowl LXI. But since all parties will be contractually obliged to do so, it would create a complex and uncomfortable environment.

They hope that the Steelers do not end up entering the playoffs. Knowing this is Rodgers’ last season in the league, he will be motivated to go all the way. But that could be counterintuitive for ESPN, since they will be broadcasting the biggest game of the season.

Former QB offers Pat McAfee money to keep bringing back Aaron Rodgers

Daily Mail revealing this could force ESPN to be cautious about how they handle their coverage of Aaron Rodgers. However, if the California native continues to trigger them, the situation could get worse.

I’m rooting for it… McAfee, if you need a few extra dollars to throw at Rodgers, I’ll do it… It’s his last year. Go out with a bang, Aaron.

Chris Simms said on PFT Live

This was the former quarterback sending a message to Pat McAfee to keep bringing Rodgers back on his show. Since it is the latter’s final year, Chris Simms wants the four-time league MVP to go all out and speak his mind.

ESPN had nothing to say about Aaron Rodgers going on ESPN and repeatedly attacking ESPN. pic.twitter.com/B6eraps3wx

— PFT Live (@PFT_Live) August 4, 2026

Simms’ dollars might not be needed considering McAfee earns and will likely continue to earn significantly more than any sports media personnel in the country. He can pay the Steelers star enough, and more, as he has been doing in the past.

But if this is what fans want, and that interest is relayed back to McAfee, there is a chance the oldest player in the league could indeed go out swinging. That, though, could be detrimental to ESPN, as this was not the first time he called them out.

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