Insider explains why Aaron Rodgers is taking 'Pat McAfee Show' break

Media insider Jimmy Traina of Sports Illustrated explained in a piece published Thursday afternoon why New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers seemingly is taking a break from weekly appearances on "The Pat McAfee Show" beginning with the start of the NFL playoffs this weekend. 

Traina wrote that sources told him "the decision to put the Rodgers spots on hold was 100 percent McAfee’s, and ESPN had zero to do" with the call. 

"That’s not to say the folks inside of Bristol aren’t happy with the decision, but they did not have a hand in McAfee putting a temporary end to Rodgers' weekly appearance," Traina added. 

Rodgers generated headlines throughout the entertainment world when he seemed to link ABC late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel with Jeffrey Epstein while speaking on McAfee's program back on Jan. 2. This past Tuesday, Rodgers utilized his "McAfee" segment to share conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccines and speak about other non-football matters. 

While McAfee suggested on Wednesday that Rodgers wouldn't appear on the program again before the playoffs concluded, the future Hall of Famer returned to the show Thursday to talk about head coach Bill Belichick parting ways with the New England Patriots and the retirement of Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban. 

"At the end of Tuesday’s controversial interview, McAfee said two things to Rodgers that make me think he already knew this was going to be the quarterback’s final appearance for this season," Traina noted. "McAfee told Rodgers, 'Hell of a year, pal' and 'Have an incredible offseason.'" 

It's unknown to outsiders exactly when and why it was decided Rodgers wouldn't continue his "McAfee" segments throughout the upcoming postseason tournament as he did last January, but it appears the Jets aren't getting involved. After Jets head coach Robert Saleh said earlier this week that nobody within the organization "cares about the 'McAfee Show,'" team beat reporter Brian Costello of the New York Post mentioned that some within the club "applaud Rodgers for having the guts to challenge the mainstream media." 

If nothing else, Rodgers has done well to remain a significant talking point despite the fact that he played just four meaningful offensive snaps before he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles back on Sept. 11.