Steelers Defend Aaron Rodgers’ Right to Speak Out After His Fauci Takedown Sparks Firestorm

Aaron Rodgers set off a firestorm with his latest takedown of Anthony Fauci — and this time it’s the Pittsburgh Steelers stepping in to back their quarterback’s right to say it.

Rodgers appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” and tore into Fauci for pleading the Fifth Amendment 111 times during recent U.S. Senate hearings, calling him an “absolute criminal.” The segment split reaction on social media, with some slamming ESPN for giving Rodgers a platform at all and others cheering him on for calling out Fauci directly.

With the backlash intensifying, the Steelers put out a statement backing their quarterback.

“Discussions around culture and politics can bring differing perspectives, and our players are entitled to their own personal views,” Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten told Fox News Digital/OutKick. “With respect to that, I am certain there are a variety of opinions on many topics within our locker room.”

It’s not the first time the organization has stood behind a player’s politics. Backup quarterback Mason Rudolph drew online backlash in May 2025 after appearing onstage with President Trump and Steelers legend Rocky Bleier at a rally in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. Trump predicted big things for Rudolph, telling the crowd, “He’s going to be the guy.”

The Steelers responded to angry fans then much like they did with Rodgers now. “Our alumni and current players make their own individual decisions and these do not necessarily reflect the views of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization,” the club said at the time.

The organization’s hands-off, players-can-speak-their-mind approach has held steady through both controversies — refusing to muzzle its players while declining to officially take sides.