Aaron Rodgers As Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Running Mate Rumor

Overview

Aaron Rodgers As Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Running Mate Rumor refers to a report that NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is an active player with the New York Jets, is on the shortlist to be the running mate of Independent Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. After spreading online in mid-March 2024, the rumor generated a significant amount of discourse on social media, as well as jokes and memes.

Background

On March 12th, 2024, the New York Times reported on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s shortlist for his running mates.^[1] The article stated that New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was on the shortlist and had "welcomed the overtures." Jesse Ventura, Tulsi Gabbard, Rand Paul and Andrew Yang were also on the list. That day, the site tweeted a link to the article,^[2] gaining over 450 retweets and 260 likes in one day (shown below).

Developments

The rumor was particularly surprising among NFL fans, as Rodgers is still a quarterback for the New York Jets and is expected to play in the 2024 season after only playing five snaps in 2023 before tearing his Achilles tendon. This led to multiple jokes referencing the Jets' long, poor history with quarterbacks, with many saying that it would be fitting if Rodgers ditched the team for a hypothetical vice-presidential run.

For example, on March 13th, 2024, Twitter / X user @lee_korvasky^[3] called it "the most Jets thing ever… Perfect combination of self-immolation and collateral despair," gaining over 50 likes in two hours (shown below, left). On March 12th, Twitter user @JohnBreech^[4] joked that a clip of Rodgers running with an American flag on the football field was his "first campaign ad," gaining over 360 retweets and 5,000 likes in one day (shown below, right).

On March 12th, user @zachreinert0^[5] joked there was "no easier way" to become president than being a VP to a Kennedy, gaining over 300 retweets and 5,500 likes in one day (shown below, left). Also that day, user @juliussharpe^[6] joked that Rodgers' vice presidency would put Zach Wilson, Rodgers' backup in 2023, third in line for the presidency, gaining over 1,400 retweets and 21,000 likes (shown below, right).

Search Interest

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External References