Aaron Rodgers Says He Had 'Stunted Emotional Intelligence’ Growing Up Because His Dad Didn't Cry (Exclusive)
In an exclusive clip, the quarterback says there "wasn't space for emotion" in his home growing up
In an exclusive clip, the quarterback says there "wasn't space for emotion" in his home growing up
Aaron Rodgers is opening up about the impact his father had on his ability to understand emotions.
PEOPLE has the exclusive clip of Rodgers, 41, explaining why he felt "stunted" by his father's lack of emotion in the second episode of his upcoming Netflix documentary, Aaron Rodgers: Enigma, premiering on Dec. 17.
The clip opens with Rodgers — whose public rift with his family dates back to 2014 — as he participates in an ayahuasca ceremony.
"I think part of the real joy in this work, is, there is such a feminine spirit to ayahuasca," he says, suggesting that the psychedelic drug allows users to "model a new way of thinking about masculinity, or what it means to be a man."
Related: Aaron Rodgers Talks to RFK Jr. About 'Going into Politics' in Trailer for Netflix Docuseries
Rodgers, wearing a white tank top and sweatpants as ceremonious rituals are performed around him, says ayahuasca allows him to access "the balance between the divine masculine and the divine feminine." Brooke Sutton/Getty Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #8 at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024
Rodgers, no stranger to criticism for his use of psychedelics over the years, then shares that he only ever saw his father, Ed Rodgers, cry once. "I think I saw my dad cry when my grandfather passed. And that might have been it."
"There wasn't space for emotion," the quarterback recalls of his home growing up. "So, I definitely had some stunted emotional intelligence."
Reflecting on his public perception, Rodgers says, "People who haven't been around me a lot have this idea of who I am or whatnot, and in these situations, you start to peel back some of those layers of who they think you are, and start getting deep, and getting emotional."
The Jets star says that getting "emotional" and "being able to tap into that divine feminine and be vulnerable" is "what it means to be a well-balanced man," before the clip ends. Michael Owens/Getty Aaron Rodgers
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The upcoming three-part documentary addresses Rodgers' controversial views and major moments that have landed the NFL star in headlines over the years.
Viewers will also see the pro athlete discuss his 2023 season-ending torn Achilles in the series. The trailer shows discussions from various reports on whether or not Rodgers should consider retiring from the sport.
Aaron Rodgers: Enigma, directed by Gotham Chopra and Liam Hughes, arrives on Netflix on Dec. 17.
