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New York Jets star Aaron Rodgers apparently doesn’t maintain a regular presence on The Pat McAfee Show out of the goodness of his heart.
The New York Post‘s Andrew Marchand reported Thursday that Rodgers “is receiving more than seven figures per year to come on the show each week.”
McAfee confirmed to Marchand the four-time MVP “has made over $1,000,000 with us, for sure.”
Marchand also reported Alabama head coach Nick Saban “is in that vaunted neighborhood” in terms of the money he has received for his appearances on The Pat McAfee Show.
Marchand noted it’s not uncommon for marquee athletes or coaches to be compensated for doing recurring spots on a radio or television show. But the kind of money that Rodgers is making was described as “a new level.”
McAfee, who signed a five-year deal with ESPN reportedly worth around $85 million, certainly seems to have gotten his money’s worth.
“Aaron Rodgers Tuesdays” have become appointment viewing for NFL fans, and Rodgers’ presence unquestionably helped raised the profile of the show. Every week, his comments are aggregated and shared across social media.
McAfee told Marchand that Rodgers “deserves much more than what he’s gotten for the time and effort he has put into ‘Aaron Rodgers’ Tuesdays.'”
But Marchand’s report is likely to bring more scrutiny upon McAfee given what’s perceived as preferential treatment toward Rodgers and an unwillingness to push back against the more controversial remarks made by the legendary quarterback.
In one recent example, Rodgers challenged Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce, whom he dubbed “Mr. Pfizer,” to a debate of the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine. It wasn’t the first time critics pointed out what they believed was McAfee allowing Rodgers to spread vaccine misinformation.
Knowing that Rodgers is collecting seven figures from The Pat McAfee Show is bound to alter how his appearances are analyzed.
