Sports
Danica Patrick has opened up about the lasting emotional impact of her relationship with out-of-work NFL star Aaron Rodgers, calling their 2020 breakup the most painful experience of her life.
In a candid conversation on The Sage Steele Show, the former NASCAR driver described their two-year relationship as “emotionally abusive,” revealing it left her confidence shattered and her identity fractured.
Aaron Rodgers calls out LeBron James over Diddy parties with Joe Rogan
“The breakup with Aaron in 2020, because it was sudden,” Patrick said, recalling the moment everything shifted. “It felt like it was my life. So when you live with somebody, it’s your whole life… And because the nature of the relationship was emotionally abusive, so that wore me down to nothing.”
Patrick, who was a trailblazer in motorsport and a public figure often praised for her strength, said the experience left her questioning even the most basic parts of herself.
The Tush Push Is Safe for Another Season
“Someone that you know, people could never imagine that I would lack any confidence, or belief in the simple things about who I am. Everything was torn to bits. 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.”
A painful ending-and a powerful return to self
Patrick and Rodgers began dating in early 2018 and ended their relationship in July 2020. Though the split appeared civil at the time, Patrick‘s recent comments paint a very different picture of what happened behind closed doors.
Reflecting on that chapter of her life, Patrick shared how the experience forced her to turn inward and begin a deeper journey toward healing. “But it gave me 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.”
She added that she felt isolated while in the relationship, saying, “I was lonely during that time because I was furthest from myself.”
Rodgers, who is currently recovering from an Achilles injury and evaluating his football future, has remained relatively private about the details of their breakup. Not long after parting ways with Patrick, he began a relationship with actress Shailene Woodley, whom he became engaged to in February 2021. That relationship ended in April 2022.
Rodgers has since been linked to a woman named Brittani, and was recently seen wearing what appeared to be a wedding band, though no official confirmation has been made about his marital status.
Patrick, meanwhile, has continued her own journey, both publicly and privately. After her breakup with Rodgers, she dated Carter Comstock for nearly a year before they split in March 2022.
Last fall, she appeared to confirm a new relationship by posting a photo of herself kissing a man at the Burning Man festival.
Before Rodgers, Patrick had a long-term relationship with fellow NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr., which lasted from 2012 to 2017.
Though the details of her time with Rodgers have only recently come to light, Patrick‘s decision to speak openly underscores her commitment to growth and self-worth.
“I have no shame or regret,” she said. For Patrick, what began as heartbreak ultimately became a turning point toward reclaiming her identity.
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
NFL Preseason Week 3 Game Recap: Chicago Bears 29, Kansas City Chiefs 27
Kansas City’s first-team offense put together three scoring drives in as many chances, but a late push from Chicago’s reserves flipped the result in a 29-27 Bears win to close the preseason. Patrick Mahomes threw for 143 yards and a touchdown on 13 attempts, while Isiah Pacheco and Rashee Rice added scores as the Chiefs opened up a 20-3 lead before resting their starters. Caleb Williams responded with a touchdown drive late in the second quarter and finished 11-of-15 for 113 yards and a score. Tyson Bagent took over after halftime and went 20-of-28 for 212 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner with three seconds remaining. PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The comprehensive grades and data will be available after a thorough review tomorrow at 12 […]
NFL Preseason Week 3 Game Recap: Tennessee Titans 23, Minnesota Vikings 13
Tennessee wrapped its preseason slate with a 23-13 win over Minnesota, as both teams leaned heavily on rookie quarterbacks. No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward played into the second quarter once again, finishing 10-of-19 for 145 yards to cap his exhibition workload. Ward led a 13-play, 90-yard scoring drive in the first half but remained without a preseason touchdown. Minnesota opened with rookie Max Brosmer under center while J.J. McCarthy sat. Brosmer returned late in the second quarter and added a third-quarter touchdown toss to Bryson Nesbit, finishing 15-of-23 for 161 yards in his final push for a roster spot. PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The comprehensive grades and data will be available after a thorough review tomorrow at 12 p.m. EST. In the meantime, we’ve gathered […]
Kačena pro nás znamená klid. Fanoušci by přijeli i do Štýrského Hradce, říkal Saňák
Trenére, proč na pozápasové povinnosti nedorazil Martin Svědík?Musím ho omluvit. V zápase ztratil hlas. Dali jsme do toho všechno i my trenéři a klukům pomáhali.Nebyli jste spokojení s výkonem?Upřímně říkám, že ne všechno se povedlo. Pořád to ladíme. Zkrátka jsme museli v zápase zabrat úplně všichni a Martin to odnesl hlasivkami. Ale jsme rádi, že jsme vyhráli. Zápas podle mě vystihuje slovo „efektivita“. Přijeli jsme si přesně pro takovou výhru, kdy neinkasujeme. Počítá se to.V úvodu sezony na vás padala jen slova chvály. Přišlo vystřízlivění?Měli jsme obrovskou obměnu kádru. Přišlo deset nových hráčů, a to vždycky potřebuje čas. Paradoxně ty výsledky na začátku ligy šly trochu proti nám. Všichni říkali, že to pojede, ale ono není jednoduché takový tlak v hlavách ustát. Teď si spíš zvykáme na to, že proti nám soupeři nemusejí hledat extra motivaci. O to víc si ale tří bodů s Chrudimí vážíme.Dají se očekávat ještě nějaké […]
NFL Preseason Week 3 Game Recap: Dallas Cowboys 31, Atlanta Falcons 13
Joe Milton accounted for two touchdowns and led scoring drives on Dallas’ first two possessions, helping the Cowboys notch a 31-13 win over Atlanta to wrap up the preseason. Both teams rested nearly all starters, with Milton playing the full first half in his most extended action since joining via trade. Milton added a 29-yard touchdown strike in the third quarter after converting a fourth-and-1 with his legs, finishing 10-of-18 for 132 yards. Rookie RB Jaydon Blue also scored in his preseason debut. Falcons quarterback Easton Stick found Feleipe Franks for Atlanta’s lone touchdown in a game where Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins remained sidelined. PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The comprehensive grades and data will be available after a thorough review tomorrow at 12 p.m. […]
Men’s and Women’s Round One US Open draw and results
The full draw for the men's and women's singles tournament at the US Open at Flushing Meadows, New York.Men's first roundTop half(1) Jannik Sinner vs Vit Kopriva Alexei Popyrin vs Emil RuusuvuoriValentin Royer vs Yunchaokete Bu(27) Denis Shapovalov vs Marton Fucsovics (23) Aleksandr Bublik vs Marin Cilic Lorenzo Sonego vs Tristan Schoolkate Nuno Borges vs Brandon Holt(14) Tommy Paul vs Elmer Moller(10) Lorenzo Musetti vs Giovanni Mpetshi PerricardQuentin Halys vs David GoffinJenson Brooksby vs Aleksandar Vukic(24) Flavio Cobolli vs Francesco Passaro(31) Gabriel Diallo vs Damir DzumhurJaume Munar vs Jaime FariaZizou Bergs vs Tseng Chun-hsin(5) Jack Draper vs Federico Gomez(3) Alexander Zverev vs Alejandro TabiloRoberto Bautista Agut vs Jacob FearnleyGael Monfils vs Roman Safiullin(25) Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Billy Harris(22) Ugo Humbert vs Adam WaltonAleksandar Kovacevic vs Coleman WongJames Duckworth vs Tristan Boyer(15) Andrey Rublev vs Dino Prizmic(9) Karen Khachanov vs Nishesh […]
NFL Preseason Week 3 Game Recap: Philadelphia Eagles 19, New York Jets 17
Philadelphia capped its preseason with a 19-17 win at MetLife Stadium, holding off a fourth-quarter push from New York’s backups. Both teams rested the bulk of their starters, with Jalen Hurts and Justin Fields among those in street clothes. Jets rookie QB Adrian Martinez led two late touchdown drives to cut a 16-point deficit to two, but a missed two-point attempt and a turnover on downs ended the comeback. Undrafted WR Jamaal Pritchett contributed on offense and special teams, totaling 117 all-purpose yards. PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The comprehensive grades and data will be available after a thorough review tomorrow at 12 p.m. EST. In the meantime, we’ve gathered some high-level data and snap counts from the game to give you an early look. Our expert […]
Related
NFL Preseason Week 3 Game Recap: Chicago Bears 29, Kansas City Chiefs 27
Kansas City’s first-team offense put together three scoring drives in as many chances, but a late push from Chicago’s reserves flipped the result in a 29-27 Bears win to close the preseason. Patrick Mahomes threw for 143 yards and a touchdown on 13 attempts, while Isiah Pacheco and Rashee Rice added scores as the Chiefs opened up a 20-3 lead before resting their starters. Caleb Williams responded with a touchdown drive late in the second quarter and finished 11-of-15 for 113 yards and a score. Tyson Bagent took over after halftime and went 20-of-28 for 212 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winner with three seconds remaining. PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The comprehensive grades and data will be available after a thorough review tomorrow at 12 […]
NFL Preseason Week 3 Game Recap: Tennessee Titans 23, Minnesota Vikings 13
Tennessee wrapped its preseason slate with a 23-13 win over Minnesota, as both teams leaned heavily on rookie quarterbacks. No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward played into the second quarter once again, finishing 10-of-19 for 145 yards to cap his exhibition workload. Ward led a 13-play, 90-yard scoring drive in the first half but remained without a preseason touchdown. Minnesota opened with rookie Max Brosmer under center while J.J. McCarthy sat. Brosmer returned late in the second quarter and added a third-quarter touchdown toss to Bryson Nesbit, finishing 15-of-23 for 161 yards in his final push for a roster spot. PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The comprehensive grades and data will be available after a thorough review tomorrow at 12 p.m. EST. In the meantime, we’ve gathered […]
Kačena pro nás znamená klid. Fanoušci by přijeli i do Štýrského Hradce, říkal Saňák
Trenére, proč na pozápasové povinnosti nedorazil Martin Svědík?Musím ho omluvit. V zápase ztratil hlas. Dali jsme do toho všechno i my trenéři a klukům pomáhali.Nebyli jste spokojení s výkonem?Upřímně říkám, že ne všechno se povedlo. Pořád to ladíme. Zkrátka jsme museli v zápase zabrat úplně všichni a Martin to odnesl hlasivkami. Ale jsme rádi, že jsme vyhráli. Zápas podle mě vystihuje slovo „efektivita“. Přijeli jsme si přesně pro takovou výhru, kdy neinkasujeme. Počítá se to.V úvodu sezony na vás padala jen slova chvály. Přišlo vystřízlivění?Měli jsme obrovskou obměnu kádru. Přišlo deset nových hráčů, a to vždycky potřebuje čas. Paradoxně ty výsledky na začátku ligy šly trochu proti nám. Všichni říkali, že to pojede, ale ono není jednoduché takový tlak v hlavách ustát. Teď si spíš zvykáme na to, že proti nám soupeři nemusejí hledat extra motivaci. O to víc si ale tří bodů s Chrudimí vážíme.Dají se očekávat ještě nějaké […]
NFL Preseason Week 3 Game Recap: Dallas Cowboys 31, Atlanta Falcons 13
Joe Milton accounted for two touchdowns and led scoring drives on Dallas’ first two possessions, helping the Cowboys notch a 31-13 win over Atlanta to wrap up the preseason. Both teams rested nearly all starters, with Milton playing the full first half in his most extended action since joining via trade. Milton added a 29-yard touchdown strike in the third quarter after converting a fourth-and-1 with his legs, finishing 10-of-18 for 132 yards. Rookie RB Jaydon Blue also scored in his preseason debut. Falcons quarterback Easton Stick found Feleipe Franks for Atlanta’s lone touchdown in a game where Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins remained sidelined. PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The comprehensive grades and data will be available after a thorough review tomorrow at 12 p.m. […]
Men’s and Women’s Round One US Open draw and results
The full draw for the men's and women's singles tournament at the US Open at Flushing Meadows, New York.Men's first roundTop half(1) Jannik Sinner vs Vit Kopriva Alexei Popyrin vs Emil RuusuvuoriValentin Royer vs Yunchaokete Bu(27) Denis Shapovalov vs Marton Fucsovics (23) Aleksandr Bublik vs Marin Cilic Lorenzo Sonego vs Tristan Schoolkate Nuno Borges vs Brandon Holt(14) Tommy Paul vs Elmer Moller(10) Lorenzo Musetti vs Giovanni Mpetshi PerricardQuentin Halys vs David GoffinJenson Brooksby vs Aleksandar Vukic(24) Flavio Cobolli vs Francesco Passaro(31) Gabriel Diallo vs Damir DzumhurJaume Munar vs Jaime FariaZizou Bergs vs Tseng Chun-hsin(5) Jack Draper vs Federico Gomez(3) Alexander Zverev vs Alejandro TabiloRoberto Bautista Agut vs Jacob FearnleyGael Monfils vs Roman Safiullin(25) Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Billy Harris(22) Ugo Humbert vs Adam WaltonAleksandar Kovacevic vs Coleman WongJames Duckworth vs Tristan Boyer(15) Andrey Rublev vs Dino Prizmic(9) Karen Khachanov vs Nishesh […]
NFL Preseason Week 3 Game Recap: Philadelphia Eagles 19, New York Jets 17
Philadelphia capped its preseason with a 19-17 win at MetLife Stadium, holding off a fourth-quarter push from New York’s backups. Both teams rested the bulk of their starters, with Jalen Hurts and Justin Fields among those in street clothes. Jets rookie QB Adrian Martinez led two late touchdown drives to cut a 16-point deficit to two, but a missed two-point attempt and a turnover on downs ended the comeback. Undrafted WR Jamaal Pritchett contributed on offense and special teams, totaling 117 all-purpose yards. PFF's dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The comprehensive grades and data will be available after a thorough review tomorrow at 12 p.m. EST. In the meantime, we’ve gathered some high-level data and snap counts from the game to give you an early look. Our expert […]
Be the first to leave a comment