NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers became one of the most prominent athletes yet to criticize the inclusion of biologically male transgender athletes in women’s sports, calling the movement “anti-woman” during a podcast appearance Wednesday.
Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience, Rodgers said, “The trans woman movement is actually anti-woman.” He clarified that his view primarily applies to athletics, where he asserts the biological differences between men and women create unfair advantages.
“That’s what I mean — sports,” he said. “You’re not seeing trans men dominating anything. It’s because there’s a biological difference.”
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Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP and currently an unsigned free agent, has been a prominent figure in recent years for his outspoken political views. He made headlines during the 2024 election cycle after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly invited him to join his independent presidential ticket as a vice-presidential candidate.
Rodgers now joins a growing list of former Green Bay Packers taking public stances against transgender participation in women’s sports. Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre began speaking out on the issue in 2021, and longtime wide receiver Donald Driver has also expressed concern.
The timing of Rodgers’ remarks comes amid a national clash over sports policy. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order requiring all federally funded institutions to restrict women’s sports participation to biological females. But Democrat-led states including Minnesota and Maine have refused to comply, sparking investigations by the U.S. Department of Education and lawsuits from the Department of Justice over potential Title IX violations.
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Public opinion also appears to lean against allowing biological males to compete in female athletics. A January New York Times/Ipsos poll found that 79% of Americans believe transgender women — individuals assigned male at birth but who identify as female — should not be allowed to compete in women’s sports. That figure includes 67% of self-identified Democrats and 94% of Republicans.
As the Biden administration defends its position in court and conservative voices continue to speak out, Rodgers’ comments reflect how deeply the issue has permeated American sports and politics.