NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers is finally opening up.

In the newly released Netflix docuseries “Aaron Rodgers: Enigma,” which premiered on Tuesday, the New York Jets player gives viewers a glimpse into his personal life away from football and his return to the NFL after suffering a season-ending torn Achilles injury last year.

The 41-year-old Super Bowl champion reflects on the loss of his privacy and shares insights about being invited to join Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign, as well as the negative impact on his reputation from his decision to forgo the COVID-19 vaccine. He expressed that he felt he had been portrayed as a “villain” over the past few years.

In the second episode of the series, titled “Awakening,” he discusses the strain in his relationship with his family, particularly after his brother Jordan Rodgers’ successful stint on “The Bachelorette” in 2016.

Aaron Rodgers shares about family estrangement

Aaron attributes the growing distance from his family—comprising parents Ed and Darla, and brothers Jordan, 36, and Luke, 42—to differing beliefs in religion and lifestyle choices. He notes that tensions had been apparent since his high school years.

“I grew up in a conservative, small-town atmosphere” with “a very white, dogmatic church, which didn’t resonate with me,” Aaron explains. He also feels that the traditional notions of masculinity he was exposed to stunted his emotional growth, something he aims to address through experiences with ayahuasca and participating in temazcal, traditional sweat lodge ceremonies of Indigenous people from Central and North America.

After attending an ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica, the athlete commented: “I believe ayahuasca contributes significantly to one’s healing—mentally, physically, and spiritually.”

Reflecting on his family dynamics, Rodgers states, “When I began exploring other faiths and alternative healing practices, I encountered a lot of pushback, especially for choices considered unconventional in the environment I grew up in.”

Aaron Rodgers discusses lack of family support for his celebrity lifestyle

He recalls his first unsettling experience with the paparazzi in 2011 and admits, “I didn’t help myself by dating some women who were already in the public eye.” His past relationships include actress Shailene Woodley, race car driver Danica Patrick, and actresses Olivia Munn and Jessica Szohr.

Rodgers further claims that his family did not embrace his newfound celebrity status and the influence it carried.

“There were many moments when my fame grew, and I received messages from various people, including family members, urging me to be less visible and to keep my life private,” he reveals.

“That hurt because it felt like they didn’t understand me. This level of attention was never my aim, aside from just wanting to play football on Sundays,” he explains. “Fame has a way of altering relationships, affecting friends and family.”

Aaron Rodgers ‘never requested’ to be included in Jordan Rodgers’ ‘Bachelorette’ segment

Rodgers acknowledges the existing distance between himself and his family: “I wasn’t particularly close with everyone; my bond was stronger with my younger brother. Nonetheless, the sense of separation traces back to high school experiences and continued through college and beyond.”

He adds, “I kept quiet about my feelings as I thought it was best not to make it public. And yet, what did they do?”

The scene shifts to footage from 2016 featuring Jordan Rodgers on JoJo Fletcher’s season of “The Bachelorette,” where Aaron and his then-girlfriend Olivia Munn notably did not appear during Jordan’s hometown visit.

“They went on a (expletive) show and left two empty chairs,” Aaron states. “Everyone agreed it was a good idea to leave two empty chairs at a ridiculous dating show that my brother participated in to gain fame – his words, not mine – and he ended up winning.”

He adds, “I was never invited to that dinner during the season, not that I would have attended.”

YSL News has reached out to representatives for Jordan Rodgers and “The Bachelorette” for a response.

So far, Aaron has kept quiet about the reality television series. When asked previously about his brother’s involvement, Aaron remarked, “I believe it’s somewhat inappropriate to discuss certain family matters publicly.”

Jordan’s connection as an NFL star played a significant role in Fletcher’s season of “The Bachelorette.” Aaron was referenced multiple times, and Jordan shared with Fletcher about his strained relationship with his brother as the season progressed.

“It’s a topic we prefer not to delve into much. It hurts both of us to not have that bond; we miss our brother,” Luke Rodgers mentioned on “The Bachelorette.” “I have faith that God has a way of bringing things back together.”

Aaron Rodgers is willing to mend ties with his family

Years later, Aaron expresses that he holds no “ill will” towards his relatives.

“They’re living their lives as best they can … still heavily involved in organized religion, which suits them. That’s wonderful,” he notes. “Although they may not appreciate what they see, I have love and respect along with gratitude for the way I was raised because it shaped who I am today.”

He further states, “When people inquire if reconciliation is possible, I reply, ‘Absolutely.’ I do not want them to struggle or face any conflicts. I hold no negative feelings towards them at all.”

“It’s just that we are on different paths in our individual journeys.”