Aaron Rodgers and Shailene Woodley(Image via Getty Images)
Aaron Rodgers’ comments about Shailene Woodley draw backlash
The former couple became engaged in December 2020, but their relationship unraveled within months. He said Woodley had removed her engagement ring by March 2021. “What’s the point of a married dude bringing up an ex he hasn’t spoken with in over 2 years? Woodley spoke about Rodgers and the end of their relationship in a December 2024 interview with Outside magazine. She then opened up about a deeply difficult period in early 2022, around the time the breakup became public.
Because i was trying to be there and be a good partner, “She was depressed and not fun to be around, but I didn’t leave her. “I felt like I lost my soul, my self, my happiness, my joy.
Rodgers discussed Woodley during an appearance on Cam Heyward’s “Not Just Football” podcast, released on September 10, 2026. He proposed and Woodley accepted, according to Rodgers. He later claimed that she told him only days after the proposal that she needed to deal with another man before they could marry. Rodgers said the effort ultimately failed Although the pair attempted to repair their relationship later that year. He claimed Woodley eventually told him, “I don’t want to be with you. Sources cited by TMZ said the actress has always preferred to keep her personal relationships away from public attention. “I haven’t shared much about my relationship with Aaron because it always makes me cry,” she said. But it was beautiful,” she said. “I had a really awful, traumatic thing happen in early 2022,” she said. Woodley said her depression became so severe that even looking at a tree could leave her feeling nothing. He disputed Danica Patrick’s past description of their breakup and said their relationship had deteriorated over time. “She had just retired,” Rodgers said. Rodgers further acknowledged that he had been “emotionally unavailable” during his relationships with Patrick and Woodley because of unresolved feelings connected to his now-wife, Brittani.
Aaron Rodgers has reopened an old chapter of his personal life, and the reaction has been swift. During a recent podcast appearance, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback spoke in detail about his former relationship with Shailene Woodley, including their engagement and breakup. Rodgers also recalled seeing signs that their engagement was falling apart. The comments have reportedly frustrated people in Woodley’s circle. One source questioned Rodgers’ decision to bring up the relationship at all. Rodgers, who is now married, also pushed back against the idea that he was responsible for damaging Woodley’s life. “Shai, you left me, you took the ring off. What are we talking about regarding me ruining your life? Rather than offering a detailed account, she explained that discussing the romance remained emotionally difficult. Woodley also described the relationship in a way that captured its complexity without reducing it to a simple success or failure. “It was not right. I really understood depression and anxiety and, like, complete soul detachment. Support from her close friend and stylist Kris Zero helped her begin moving forward. Surfing, working at a ranch and spending time outdoors became part of that process. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Rodgers also addressed another famous former relationship during the same podcast appearance. For now, his comments have brought renewed attention to relationships both sides had seemingly left behind. The discussion also highlights how differently former partners can remember the same chapter of their lives. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
People close to the actress reportedly questioned why Rodgers chose to revisit a relationship that ended years ago, especially after Woodley had previously explained how difficult that period was for her. His decision to revisit the relationship comes despite Woodley previously explaining why she rarely discusses their breakup.