Aaron Rodgers Feels Like 'Being Crucified,' Didn't Expect Negative Response To His Vaccination Status: Report

Aaron Rodgers wasn't happy with the turn of events after receiving intense backlash for not getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Green Bay Packers star tested positive for coronavirus. It was also revealed that he was unvaccinated despite saying in a previous interview that he had been "immunized" against the virus.

A source close to the NFL star spoke with People. The insider said the athlete is "upset" and "feels like he just shared his point of view, and now he's being crucified for it."

"He knew some people would disagree with him, but he didn't know that it would become the s---storm it became. People who he thought were friends are turning on him," the source continued. "He's upset. He's very unhappy with the response to him."

In his previous interview on the "Pat McAfee Show" Friday, Rodgers said he didn't get his jab because he was allergic to an ingredient in the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. Also, he did not want to receive the Johnson & Johnson shot because he "had heard of multiple people who had had adverse events around getting the J&J."

Rodgers also shared that he did extensive research on COVID-19 prevention and consulted with podcast host Joe Rogan, who contracted the coronavirus in September. The insider said the athlete didn't just consult Rogan, he also spoke with medical professionals.

"Aaron feels like he's an athlete, he knows about his body more than most people, and he made a choice for himself," the insider continued.

Many slammed Rodgers for his personal view on the vaccine mandates. Prevea Health also ended its partnership with the athlete. However, a State Farm spokesperson expressed support to Rodgers saying the Green Bay Packers quarterback is a "great ambassador."

"We don’t support some of the statements that he has made, but we respect his right to have his own personal point of view," the company's spokesperson said in a statement. "Our mission at State Farm is to support safer, stronger communities. To that end, we encourage vaccinations — but respect everyone’s right to make a choice based on their personal circumstances."

In his previous interview, Rodgers insisted he didn't lie about being immunized. He also admitted that he didn't want to answer more questions related to vaccination at the time.

"I wanted it to go away," he was quoted as saying by NBC News. "Everyone on the squad knew I was not vaccinated. Everyone in the organization knew I wasn't vaccinated. I wasn't hiding from anybody. I was trying to minimize and mitigate having this conversation going on and on."