Aaron Rodgers Responds to Terry Bradshaw’s “Stay in California, Chew on Bark” Comment With Humor and Classic Rodgers Perspective

When NFL Hall of Famer and longtime Fox Sports analyst Terry Bradshaw issued a tongue-in-cheek plea for Aaron Rodgers to “stay in California and chew on bark,” the football world braced for a fiery clapback. But in true Aaron Rodgers fashion, the New York Jets quarterback delivered a response that was equal parts witty, reflective, and deeply grounded in his philosophy of life — and football.

Rodgers, who has never shied away from controversial opinions or confrontational media moments, addressed Bradshaw’s comments during a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” using the opportunity to set the record straight about his mindset, his critics, and why he’s not interested in “chewing on bark” — figuratively or literally.

The Origins of Bradshaw’s Comment

Bradshaw’s remarks came earlier in the week during a Fox Sports segment discussing Rodgers’ evolving image since his departure from Green Bay. Known for his no-filter style, Bradshaw remarked:

“I loved watching Rodgers play in Green Bay, but now he’s out there in California, doing ayahuasca, talking about darkness retreats — stay there, chew on bark, and leave football alone.”

While his comment drew chuckles from the studio and fans alike, it struck a nerve with some who viewed it as dismissive or outdated.

Rodgers’ Calm, Collected Response

“I’ve got nothing but respect for Terry,” Rodgers began, smiling as he leaned into the microphone. “But I haven’t chewed on bark since at least college.”

The quarterback’s deadpan delivery drew laughs from McAfee’s panel, but Rodgers quickly transitioned to a more sincere tone.

“Look, I get it. I’ve changed. I’ve grown. I’ve explored things that maybe aren’t typical for NFL quarterbacks — meditation, plant medicine, isolation, whatever. But I’m still about football. Always have been.”

Rodgers then made it clear that while he doesn’t take Bradshaw’s remarks personally, they highlight a broader issue about how the NFL community treats players who step outside conventional norms.

“We’re expected to be warriors on the field and robots off it,” Rodgers said. “But we’re human beings. We evolve. I’ve just chosen a path that prioritizes mental clarity, emotional health, and authenticity — even if that means some people will call me weird.”

Locker Room Support

Rodgers’ teammates — particularly those on the Jets offensive line — were quick to show their support following the broadcast. Center Joe Tippmann reposted Rodgers’ quote on Instagram, adding: “Our guy just speaks truth.”

Wide receiver Garrett Wilson chimed in during media availability, saying, “If you actually sit down and talk to Aaron, he’s one of the most grounded, focused dudes you’ll ever meet. His approach might be different, but he brings results.”

Head coach Robert Saleh offered a more diplomatic take, calling Bradshaw’s comments “entertaining” but “irrelevant to what we’re doing here.”

“What matters is the leadership Aaron brings to this locker room every single day,” Saleh told reporters. “And that’s been off the charts.”

Rodgers and the Media Narrative

This isn’t the first time Rodgers has been the subject of sharp media critique. Over the years, he’s been scrutinized for his stance on vaccines, his public relationships, and most recently, his use of alternative healing methods like ayahuasca and darkness retreats.

Yet despite the headlines, Rodgers has maintained a calm composure that seems to baffle — and at times, irritate — traditional sports commentators.

“People fear what they don’t understand,” Rodgers told McAfee. “And sometimes I represent that unknown to them. I’m fine with that. I’m not here to win anyone’s approval anymore.”

Rodgers added that he believes Bradshaw’s old-school mentality reflects a fading generation of football pundits who “grew up in a world where showing emotion or seeking inner peace was seen as weakness.”

“Football doesn’t have to be toxic masculinity 101,” he said. “It can also be thoughtful, compassionate, and yes — even spiritual.”

What It Means for the Jets

While Rodgers’ response may have stolen headlines, the Jets organization is more focused on what he brings to the field this season. After his Achilles injury derailed the 2023 campaign, Rodgers has returned to camp looking leaner, sharper, and more motivated than ever.

“He’s out to prove something,” said Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. “He wants to remind the world who he is — not just as a player, but as a leader.”

Hackett also noted that Rodgers’ off-field interests haven’t been a distraction but rather a point of intrigue and bonding within the locker room.

“There are guys on this team who’ve started journaling, meditating, doing breath work — things they never thought about before Aaron came in. He’s changed the culture.”

Bradshaw Doubles Down, But Lightens Up

In response to Rodgers’ comments, Bradshaw issued a light-hearted clarification during a follow-up segment on Fox:

“I was just joking around. I respect the guy. He’s one of the most talented quarterbacks I’ve ever seen. But hey — if chewing bark helps him throw lasers, I say give him a whole tree.”

Rodgers responded to that clip with a simple peace sign emoji on X (formerly Twitter), signaling that there’s no bad blood — just a generational difference in how players express themselves.

Legacy on the Line

As Rodgers enters the twilight of his NFL career, the stakes have never been higher. He’s no longer just trying to win games — he’s trying to cement a legacy that transcends the field.

“He wants a ring in New York,” said ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky. “But more than that, he wants to do it his way — authentically. If he can pull that off, it would be one of the greatest stories in modern football history.”

Rodgers agrees.

“I’m at peace with whatever happens. I’ve had a great ride,” he told McAfee. “But yeah, I’d love to end it with one more championship — and maybe show a few people along the way that it’s okay to be different.”

In an era where athletes are expected to fit into narrow molds, Aaron Rodgers continues to defy expectations. Whether it’s on the field dissecting defenses or off the field seeking personal growth, he remains unapologetically himself.

So when Terry Bradshaw tells him to “stay in California and chew on bark,” Rodgers doesn’t lash out. He listens, responds with grace — and keeps throwing darts down the sideline.

Because Aaron Rodgers isn’t just chasing greatness. He’s redefining it.