It’s been nearly five years since Danica Patrick and Aaron Rodgers parted ways, but the former NASCAR star is finally revealing just how emotionally devastating the relationship truly was.
In a heartfelt and raw conversation with former ESPN broadcaster Sage Steele, Patrick didn’t hold back as she reflected on what she now describes as an “emotionally abusive” relationship.
The Relationship That Seemed Picture-Perfect
Danica and Aaron’s romance began in early 2018 and quickly became high-profile.
They walked the red carpet together at the ESPY Awards that year, bought a stunning home in Malibu at the end of 2019, and spent months living the California dream. But behind the scenes, all was not as it seemed.
By July 2020, just over two years into their relationship, the couple had split — and according to Patrick, the breakup came out of nowhere.
“It Wore Me Down to Nothing”
In one of the most revealing moments of her interview, Danica described the emotional toll the relationship took on her.
When asked to name the most painful experience of her life, she didn’t hesitate.
“The breakup with Aaron in 2020, because it was sudden. It felt like it was my life,” she admitted.
“When you live with someone, it becomes everything… and because the nature of the relationship was emotionally abusive, it just wore me down to nothing.”
She explained that the experience shattered her confidence and left her questioning even the most basic things about herself. “People probably think I’m super confident, but I lost that.
Everything about me was torn apart,” she said.
“He Leaves a Trail of Blood”
Without getting into too many specifics, Patrick made it clear the damage left a lasting impression.
“He leaves a trail of blood,” she added, implying that others may have had similar experiences with the NFL star.
Still, she emphasized that the pain came with growth.
“But it gave me the greatest gift — myself. It taught me how much I needed to show up for me and take care of me.”
Aaron Rodgers Has Kept Quiet
As for Rodgers, he hasn’t publicly addressed Patrick’s recent comments.
When asked by the Daily Mail for a response, there was no immediate reply.
In past interviews, though, the quarterback has spoken about his time with Danica in a much more positive light.
During a 2022 appearance on the Aubrey Marcus Podcast, he called their relationship meaningful.
“I was dating Danica, and that relationship was great for me,” he said.
“She’s on her own journey, and spirituality was important to both of us. We were learning and growing together.”
Life After Love: New Chapters for Both
Since their breakup, both Danica and Aaron have moved on in different ways.
Patrick briefly dated Carter Comstock, the co-founder of the meal-prep company Freshly, and in September, she was spotted with a new mystery boyfriend.
Rodgers, on the other hand, had a rough two-year stint with the New York Jets before being released earlier this year.
While his football future remains uncertain, romantically, he’s reportedly dating someone named “Brittani” after flings with Shailene Woodley and Mallory Edens.