10 October 2023 , 20:28
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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers railed against Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and the pharmaceutical company Pfizer in a TV appearance on Tuesday, continuing a dispute over the merits of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Kelce appears in Pfizer ads promoting the shot to combat the spread of the coronavirus. That previously led Rodgers to dub him "Mr. Pfizer." Kelce responded to the nickname by pointing out that Rodgers is employed by Jets owner Woody Johnson, the heir to the Johnson & Johnson brand that also produces a Covid vaccine.
Rodgers didn't seem to enjoy Kelce's retort, and he alluded to a massive backlash against him despite the vaccine storyline receiving far less media coverage than the tight end's rumoured romance with Taylor Swift. "The triggering, though," Rodgers lamented on "The Pat McAfee Show."
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Rodgers continued: "Is that not incredible last week? People getting absolutely triggered? Listen, the Johnsons have been great to me. So I don't mind you calling me Mr. Johnson & Johnson. ... I don't play for the Johnson & Johnson corporation. I play for the New York Jets. So, I made one tiny little joke about a guy schilling for a ... corrupt company, and everybody kind of loses their minds a little bit."
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Research published by the CDC has shown that the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of dying from Covid infection. Almost 7 million people have died worldwide from COVID-19, according to WHO, but the death rate has dropped significantly since companies made vaccines available.
Kelce smiled when asked about Rodgers' "Mr. Pfizer" joke last week in comments that have drawn the ire of the Jets quarterback. "I thought it was pretty good," Kelce said. "With the mustache, I look like someone named Mr. Pfizer.
"Who knew I'd get into vax wars with Aaron Rodgers, man? Mr. Pfizer against the Johnson & Johnson family over there," Kelce added, referencing Jets owner Woody Johnson, who has ties to the pharmaceutical company. Once I got the vaccine, I got it because of keeping myself safe, my family safe, people in this building. "So yes I stand by it, one thousand percent. I am fully comfortable with him calling me 'Mr. Pfizer.'"
Travis Kelce has an ankle injury to worry about after stepping awkwardly in a game against the Vikings. (Getty Images)Kelce has seen a surge in popularity over the past few weeks because of his rumoured relationship with Swift, the global superstar singer who has attended two of his games. But he has said the situation hasn't caused a distraction on the field or bothered teammates.
"At the end of the day, I've always been pretty good about compartmentalizing and being able to stay focused in the building," Kelce told reporters. "I just keep rolling with that.
"My focus is always about winning the game, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. ... This is one place I can just get away and be locked in and focused. I always check myself and my ego at the door, making sure that I come in with a clear mind."