It’s good to be Aaron Rodgers.
Although he has never enjoyed the support his exploits seem to warrant, he has developed a profitable source of income from the media.
The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand reports that Pat McAfee paid Rodgers “millions” for weekly appearances on the season.
Specifically, Marchand reports that Rodgers “receives more than seven figures every week for his appearance on the show.” McAfee confirmed to Marchand that Rodgers “certainly made over $1,000,000 from us.”
The money apparently comes from the global fee that ESPN pays McAfee for the broadcast rights to his show. The total is reportedly around $17 million per year for five years.
Rodgers isn’t the only one getting paid. Marchand reports that Alabama coach Nick Saban is the “neighborhood” of $1 million a year.
It is not uncommon for players and coaches to be paid to appear on radio and television shows. These amounts are higher than any we have ever seen.
Frankly, McAfee got his money’s worth with Rodgers. (Frankly, it’s unclear whether Saban is the deciding factor.)
This message should also be a clear response to those who from time to time criticize McAfee for not pursuing Rodgers more aggressively on issues such as vaccines or related important issues. Rodgers is not your average “interview.” It is an important part of the overall production; He is a paid cast member of the show.