The Bachelorette season 12's final rose recipient Jordan Rodgers won Jojo Fletcher's heart on the series, bringing along a long-drawn-out feud with his brother, NFL star Aaron Rodgers. Jordan was a contestant on The Bachelorette season 12, where he met and fell in love with Jojo after she had her heart broken by Bachelor Ben Higgins. Jordan and Jojo had an instantaneous connection, with Jordan getting the first impression rose of the season and making it all the way through to the end. Jordan and Jojo got engaged at the end of their season and continued their relationship, getting married in 2022.
During Jordan's appearance on The Bachelorette, he was introduced as an athlete in his own right, but it was mentioned that his brother was in the NFL. Aaron, who has been in the NFL for years and gained notoriety in his first few years in the league, has been romantically linked to celebrities like Olivia Munn and Shailene Woodley in the past. Aaron has been somewhat of a polarizing figure in the media, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when he came out as openly anti-vaccination, which has made his feud with his family even more of an interest to people who follow Jordan, Aaron, or both.
What Caused Jordan & Aaron's Feud?
Where The Rift Began
During Jordan's time on The Bachelorette, he was able to introduce his future wife Jojo to his family. She met his parents and his brother, Luke Rodgers, who are all estranged from Aaron. They didn't go into detail about their relationship, but Jordan commented that his brother was a famous athlete at the time, the show shared that Jordan and Aaron had been estranged for years. Though he didn't explain why, Aaron shared that the brothers disagreed about fundamental things in life, including religion. The way that Aaron has chosen to live his life has pushed his family away.
Jordan & Aaron Speak On Their Feud
The Brothers Talk Publicly About Their Relationship
As Jordan and Jojo shared personal details on The Bachelorette, Jordan opened up about his relationship with his brother. Noting that he harbors no resentment for his “middle brother,” Jordan claimed that the two have not maintained a relationship. He vaguely stated that he and Aaron have chosen to live life in different ways. He credits Aaron’s fame, and the difference of opinions, for the rift that seemingly has divided the family. According to Jordan, the reality TV star could never imagine the pressure his brother is under and, “the demands from people that he has.”
Aaron was not overjoyed to hear Jordan speaking publicly about the family relations. Claiming that he has not seen the show, and subsequently indicating little interest in his brother’s life, Aaron told MISN 12 news in 2016 that his brother’s public statements haven't affected him much.
He went on to state that he found Jordan's decision to share intimate details publicly was “ a little inappropriate .” He refrained from commenting further and simply wished his brother luck in the competition.
Jordan Slams Aaron’s Wildlife Relief Donation
Jordan Was Not Impressed With Aaron's Generosity
In November of 2018, as wildfires were running rampant throughout California, Aaron expressed interest in donating $1 million to the California wildlife relief efforts. Aaron shared, as a California native, his upset with the damages ensuing from the natural disasters. Jordan was not impressed with his public display of generosity.
Jordan was not shy to share his discontentment, stating, “ You miss the fundamental first step of compassion; calling your parents to make sure they are safe ...”
In return, Jordan urged people to show their love and support but chastised Aaron's display of heroism. Claiming that Aaron’s donation felt like "an act," he mentioned that Aaron did not reach out to their mother, who was alone and frightened, with her bags packed to evacuate.
Aaron Didn't Attend Jordan's Wedding
Aaron Did Not Accept His Invitation
Many were hoping that they would see Aaron and Jordan reconcile at the latter’s wedding to Jojo, especially since their other brother, Luke Rodgers, was in the wedding. Jordan and Jojo were set to get married years prior, but COVID-19 changed their wedding date several times and the pair had to push their nuptials back years in order to have the ceremony they’d dreamed of. When they finally held their wedding in 2022, 6 years after their engagement, many were sad to see that Aaron wasn’t in attendance.
The fact that he wasn’t at the wedding made it clear that Aaron and the Rodgers family were not on good terms.
As many have discovered Jojo and Jordan’s relationship through their public appearances and hosting gigs on shows like The Big D and Cash Pad, they have realized that Jordan’s family is also in the public eye. With Aaron and Jordan’s feud a long-standing fight between the brothers, it’s unlikely that things will be resolved any time soon. For The Bachelorette star, his family is complete even without the presence of his brother.
