Over the last year, there has been a lot of talk about Aaron Rodgers retiring. If current Super Bowl odds are anything to go by, the bookies are anticipating that he will remain for at least one more season, but nothing is guaranteed. So, as we hope for a few more years of A-Rod, here are some surprising facts about the man.

He Nearly Quit Football To Study Law

Rodgers smashed many records at Pleasant Valley High School in California, but he didn’t receive any scholarship offers from Division I football programs. He was rejected numerous times (he kept all of the rejection letters) and seriously considered quitting football to study law.

Thankfully, he chose football over law. He went to Butte Community College, just a few miles from his home, and after a 10-1 record as a starter, he secured a scholarship and started his footballing journey in earnest.

He is a Big Sports Fan

It’s not all about the gridiron for A-Rod. He is a huge sports fan in general and has shown a clear interest in several other sports.

In 2018, he became the first active NFL player to have an ownership stake in the NBA when he became a limited partner in the Milwaukee Bucks. He has also made several trips to watch the PGA Championship and is a keen golfer himself, participating in amateur tournaments such as the American Century Championship.

The Kentucky Derby is one of his biggest obsessions. There are several pictures of Rodgers with his nearest and dearest at the Derby, with all of them dressed in their Sunday best to watch one of America’s biggest horse races.

He Has a Troubled History with the NFL Draft

In the 2005 draft, Rodgers was the 24th pick, becoming the story of the day as many expected him to be picked early. In 2020, he made news after the Packers drafted a quarterback when they were desperate for a wide receiver and, in 2021, it was claimed that he didn’t want to be part of a Packers rebuild.

He Supported the 49ers Growing Up

Rodgers was a big fan of the San Francisco 49ers growing up and idolized Joe Montana. He was actually nearly drafted by his beloved franchise, but they chose Alex Smith, leaving Rodgers to be picked up by the Packers as the 24th pick.

He Has Had Many High-Profile Relationships

In February 2021, Rodgers referenced a “fiancé” during his acceptance speech for the MVP awards, but he didn’t mention any names. Shortly afterward, during an appearance on The Tonight Show, Shailene Woodley confirmed their relationship.

30-year-old Woodley is the star of The Divergent Series and was also in Big Little Lies, The Fault in Our Stars, Snowden, and The Mauritanian. She has won numerous awards for her efforts and has also been nominated for a BAFTA and a Primetime Emmy.

Prior to meeting Woodley, Rodgers spent a few years with Danica Patrick, a race car driver, and three years with Olivia Munn, an actress known for The Newsroom, Office Christmas Party, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Magic Mike.