Aaron Rodgers faces strong Charles Barkley criticism after remarks about exes

Jeremy Goldstein Sun, October 25, 2026 at 12:34 PM UTC

0

Aaron Rodgers is set to retire after this season (Image: Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers is navigating the twilight of a legendary NFL career.

While the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback maintains popularity within the locker room, he hasn't hesitated to publicly criticize those who've drawn his ire. Rodgers recently discussed his former partners, Shailene Woodley and Danica Patrick, during a podcast featuring teammate Camaron Heyward.

Veteran NBA analyst Charles Barkley could likewise be approaching his final season, as the former basketball star-turned-broadcaster remains tight-lipped about his plans. One aspect is certain: Barkley, himself known for candor, isn't inclined to sever relationships upon his departure, as Rodgers has during his concluding year in the limelight.

Danica Patrick makes unhinged Ilhan Omar request to Trump administration

Danica Patrick's 'mystery man' nowhere to be seen as NASCAR legend gushes over Trump

"But I tell you what, though, I'm not gonna bury everybody going out the door like Aaron," Barkley said on Adam Schein's 'Mad Dog Sports Radio' last Wednesday.

"I'm not gonna burn every bridge and talk bad about all my exes on my way out the door like he's doing."

Charles Barkley has criticized Aaron Rodgers (Image: Getty Images)

Though Barkley has confronted network leadership on multiple instances, especially concerning TNT's separation from his program, he remains widely regarded as affable and good-natured.

Advertisement

Rodgers has kept quiet about his post-football plans. NBC Sunday Night Football color commentator Cris Collinsworth suggested last week that he believes Rodgers could be well-positioned to transition into broadcasting.

"The bottom line is, like I always thought, that John McEnroe, when he was a tennis announcer, you knew from what he said as a player, like he didn't withhold anything, right?" Collinsworth posited.

"Officials and whatever, he was gonna let you know exactly what he felt, which is great for a broadcaster, and I think Aaron would fall into that same category. We know at the very least we're gonna know what he's thinking."

Play-by-play commentator Mike Tirico appeared to hint with his response that Collinsworth had inadvertently revealed confidential information. "That was supposed to stay at dinner," Tirico half-joked.

Whatever path Rodgers chooses, he will likely seek a platform where his views and opinions are well-documented and readily available. Nevertheless, he has also maintained that he intends to step away from the public eye following his NFL retirement.

Rodgers confirmed that he would withdraw from public life after completing the 2026 NFL season, planning to enjoy the rewards of his career in private. Even so, it's difficult to envision Rodgers entirely severing his ties with football and the media.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”