Danica Patrick opens up about emotional abuse in Aaron Rodgers relationship, revealing the depth of her pain during a recent interview in which she recounted the difficult end to their highly publicized romance. The former NASCAR champion and NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, once regarded as a leading power couple in sports, went their separate ways in 2020 after a relationship that began with promise but ended with emotional fallout.
Danica Patrick Reflects on Her Experiences with Aaron Rodgers
Patrick recently described, in candid detail, how her relationship with Rodgers was emotionally damaging. Opening up as a guest on The Sage Steele Show, she shared the toll the breakup took on her well-being, expressing how sudden and profound the loss felt.
“Because it was sudden, it felt like. It was my life. So like when you live with somebody, it’s your whole life,”
—Danica Patrick, NASCAR icon
“And because the nature of the relationship was emotionally abusive, so that wore me down to nothing.”
—Danica Patrick, NASCAR icon
The former race car driver went further, admitting the relationship shattered her confidence and inner stability, something few could have predicted given her public persona.
“People could never imagine that I would lack … any confidence or belief in the simple things about who I am,”
—Danica Patrick, NASCAR icon
“Everything was torn to bits … Yeah, he leaves a trail of blood. I don’t think I’m saying too much earth-shattering stuff after we, there’s been enough out there.”
—Danica Patrick, NASCAR icon
Looking Back: Signs and Realizations After the Breakup
During her conversation with Steele, Patrick was asked if she had recognized the emotional abuse while it was happening or only realized it in reflection. Patrick confessed she did not notice the extent of the problem at the time, reiterating her personal philosophy of resilience and determination.
“Hindsight, I ignored it, but in real life, it was just like I just feel like — I would say all the time, ‘I’m built for hard things. I can handle hard things.’ And so I just saw it as a hard thing.”
—Danica Patrick, NASCAR icon
She acknowledged her pattern of persevering, even when the situation called for reevaluation. She questioned whether her efforts were worthwhile and whether her perseverance was misdirected.
“And my nature is to try harder and do more … And I was like, ‘What if I don’t do it for the right person?’ Like what if I just get a stick up my a– about this and get too proud and go like, ‘You know what, I’m just done.’”
—Danica Patrick, NASCAR icon
“Instead of going, ‘Man, just try a little harder because what if you look back and wish you would have tried?’ Like, I would never want that in my life.”
—Danica Patrick, NASCAR icon
Moving Forward and Finding Strength
Despite the turmoil, Patrick continued to speak about the personal growth that ultimately resulted from her experience. She described how the breakup became a turning point that forced her to prioritize her own needs and personal development.
“But it gave me the greatest gift, the greatest gift, which is myself. It gave me the greatest gift of how much I needed to show up for myself and take care of myself.”
—Danica Patrick, NASCAR icon
Their relationship began after meeting at the 2012 ESPYs and grew serious by 2018, prompting speculation about marriage as the couple purchased a Malibu home together. However, by July 2020, Danica Patrick and Aaron Rodgers had ended their relationship, marking the conclusion of a notable chapter in sports celebrity culture.
Patrick’s reflections highlight the difficulty of recognizing unhealthy relationship dynamics, even for those accustomed to high-pressure environments like professional sports. By sharing her experience, Patrick has not only illuminated her personal journey, but also provided insight and encouragement to others who may be struggling in similar circumstances.
