"There's nothing cryptic about gratitude": Aaron Rodgers clears the air while stoking the fire
Green Bay, Wisconsin – Leave it to Aaron Rodgers to stir things up on Instagram regarding his love life and NFL future after a 12-day cleanse.
During his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, Rodgers was lightly roasted about the cryptic nature of the post, to which he swiftly responded, "There's nothing cryptic about gratitude."
It seems that Rodgers' Insta post engulfed with gratitude for his alleged ex-fiancé, Shailene Woodley, and the Green Bay Packers organization stemmed from a moment of Instagram-worthy clarity following a 12-day Panchakarma cleanse.
Panchakarma, which literally means five actions or procedures, is a full body cleanse that eliminates unwanted waste with the use of herbal supplements, and something Rodgers called a "recentering" that not only, "Heals you physically, but I think it takes away mental stress."
With that knowledge in the atmosphere, it makes a little more sense why Rodgers would take to IG and share what's been on his mind amid the cleanse.
Rodgers' post in question was shared on Monday night and featured a lengthy caption alongside several photos of his Green Bay Packers teammates, and selfies with his rumored ex in Woodley.
"When I come out [of Panchakarma], my first thought is this intense gratitude for the people in my life," Rodgers said.
He continued, "For the life that I have, and for the lessons that I've learned, and the growth that's happened over the last year, and the people who've been a part of that journey."
Is Rodgers really a single man?
The two-part Instagram post makes it impossible to ignore the rumors that have been swirling around Rodgers as of late.
This includes those about his alleged break-up from Woodley, and the idea he might be leaving Green Bay for good.
In the caption, Rodgers first addressed Woodley, writing, "Thanks for letting me chase after you the first couple months after we met, and finally letting me catch up to you and be a part of your life."
He continued, "Thanks for always having my back, for the incredible kindness you show me and everyone you meet, and for showing me what unconditional love looks like, I love you and am grateful for you."
Though McAfee didn't lean into Rodgers about this explicit nod on Tuesday, his words surely make you question whether he and Woodley actually broke up.
As for his future with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers was quick to tell McAfee that no announcements would be made on Tuesday, but still offered up some food – or crumbs – for thought.
The MVP addresses his future in Green Bay
After spelling out his appreciation for Woodley on Instagram, Rodgers turned his eyes to his teammates, writing, "You guys made every day so much fun and I’m so thankful for the daily laughs and stress relief you brought me every week of the year. I love you guys."
Once Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers were eliminated from the NFL Playoffs after a heartbreaking loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the MVP quarterback was honest about the possibility of leaving Green Bay.
Generally speaking, when a player who's on the cusp of leaving a team – or retiring altogether – takes the time to write up paragraphs of appreciation for their fellow teammates and coaches, it's often followed by an announcement of sorts.
Though Rodgers said he wouldn't be making any announcement on Tuesday, he hinted his decision might depend on Davante Adams' future with the Packers.
"There's the opportunity to tag him at some point and I think both parties want to get that done, they would probably rather get a long-term extension done."
Adams is set to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year starts on March 16, but the Packers have the ability to put a franchise tag on the wide receiver, giving them until July to hammer out a deal all parties agree on.
As for his own fate, "There's a lot to decide," Rodgers told McAfee on Tuesday. "I still want to have conversations with some of my close friends and current teammates."
For now, Rodgers will sit back and bask in his post-Panchakarma glow whilst keeping fans and foes on their toes.
Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire/Screenshot/Instagram/aaronrodgers12