“Impressive antagonist”: Aaron Rodgers slammed as ‘isolated’ and ‘dismissive’ in shocking claims from ex-NFLPA chief DeMaurice Smith

As former NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith prepares to launch his upcoming book Turf Wars this August, early excerpts have already sparked controversy — and none more so than his scathing remarks about Green Bay Packers legend Aaron Rodgers.

The pages offer a rare, brutally honest behind-the-scenes account of Smith’s 14-year tenure, and Rodgers seems to be one of his main targets.

Aaron Rodgers’ leadership style questioned as DeMaurice Smith unleashes bold criticism in new release

Aaron Rodgers, who has long carried a reputation for being outspoken and defiant, apparently left a lasting impression on Smith — and not in a good way. Recalling a players’ meeting where Rodgers expressed opposition to the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Smith painted a picture of someone detached and disruptive.

“The god of Cheesehead Nation was isolated and dismissive,” Smith wrote. “He sat in the back row of the meeting room, issuing loud sighs before standing for a dramatic exit.

An incredible quarterback, to be sure, but an even more impressive antagonist.”

That quote alone shows how deep Smith’s frustrations ran. But it didn’t stop there. Sharing a moment from August 2021, Smith wrote, “My phone chirped with a text from Aaron Rodgers.

‘Can you call me?’ it read. Could I not run into traffic instead?” The quip underscores a working relationship that, at best, was strained — and at worst, nonexistent.For someone in Smith’s position, personal tensions with high-profile players can’t be allowed to derail broader union goals. But Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer and one of the league’s most visible personalities, clearly didn’t mesh with the leadership style or philosophy of the NFLPA head.

The friction might not surprise those familiar with Rodgers’ contentious public stances over the years, including his well-documented issues with both management and media.Interestingly, Smith’s criticism wasn’t limited to Rodgers. He also took a jab at Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, saying, “If Jerry Jones saw a dollar bill on the ground, I truly believe he’d stop and pick it up.” The comment further illustrates the tone of the book — candid, unfiltered, and sure to ruffle some feathers in both player and ownership circles.Rodgers, for his part, recently made headlines by announcing his decision to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 — a move that many believe will mark the final chapter of his illustrious career. With rumors swirling about his recent marriage, it appears the quarterback may be preparing to step away from football and into a new personal era.Whether Rodgers responds to Smith’s remarks remains to be seen, but one can definitely say that the turf wars is shaping up to be one of the most buzzworthy NFL books in recent memory.Also Read: Jerry Jones had zero football knowledge when buying Cowboys? Daughter's ultimatum and shocking confession leaves Cowboys fans in disbelief