It’s been almost five years since Danica Patrick and Aaron Rodgers went their separate ways, but now the former racing star is revealing just how deeply that relationship affected her.
While both have moved on publicly, Danica recently gave a rare and raw glimpse into the emotional toll of their time together—and what it took to heal.
Relationship That Seemed Like a Fairytale at First
Danica and Aaron’s romance began in early 2018.
They made their first official red carpet appearance as a couple at the ESPY Awards that year, and everything seemed picture-perfect.
By the end of 2019, the two had bought a house in Malibu and started building a life together in the sunny California beach town.
For fans, they looked like a power couple blending the worlds of pro sports and celebrity.
But behind the scenes, Danica now says it was a very different story.
“It Wore Me Down to Nothing”
In a candid conversation with former ESPN broadcaster Sage Steele, Danica described her breakup with Rodgers in 2020 as one of the most painful experiences of her life.
She explained how it ended suddenly, leaving her emotionally shattered.
Calling the relationship “emotionally abusive,” Danica revealed, “It wore me down to nothing. It felt like it was my life.”
She went on to explain that being with someone and living together makes that connection your whole world—and when it ends abruptly, the loss feels massive.
“Everything was torn to bits,” she added, reflecting on how the emotional damage affected her self-worth and confidence. “He leaves a trail of blood.”
A Silver Lining Through the Pain
Despite the hurt, Danica says she eventually found strength in the experience.
The breakup, while devastating, became a turning point in her journey of self-discovery.
“It gave me the greatest gift, which is myself,” she said.
“I realized how important it was to show up for myself and take care of myself.”
Though her words were heavy, she also emphasized that what she’s sharing isn’t shocking to those who’ve been paying attention.
There have been signs and rumors in the past, but Danica is now fully owning her truth.
Aaron Rodgers Has His Own Version of Events
As for Aaron Rodgers, he has remained mostly quiet about his time with Danica.
When he did speak publicly about their relationship during a 2022 podcast appearance, he described it as a valuable period of growth.
“She was on her own journey, and spirituality was important to her,” Rodgers said on the Aubrey Marcus Podcast.
“We were both learning, practicing meditation, exploring different things.”
It’s clear the two saw their relationship through very different lenses.
Life After Love: Where They Are Now
Since their split, Danica appears to have moved forward.
In September, she shared glimpses of a new mystery man in her life, suggesting she may have found love again.
Prior to that, she briefly dated Freshly co-founder Carter Comstock.
Rodgers, meanwhile, had a rocky run with the New York Jets, getting released earlier this year after a lackluster performance.
On the personal side, he’s been linked to a few high-profile women, including actress Shailene Woodley and Mallory Edens, but his current partner is reportedly someone named Brittani.
A New Chapter for Danica
While her relationship with Rodgers ended in heartbreak, Danica Patrick is using her voice to share her truth and inspire others.
Her story is one of emotional survival and rediscovery—of learning how to put herself first and rebuild from the ground up.
Whatever comes next for her, it’s clear she’s driving her own path now, and this time, she’s in full control of the wheel.