Responding to listener questions on his weekly radio show on Tuesday, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said that he doesn’t think God cares about the outcomes of football games.
Speaking with ESPN Wisconsin’s Jason Wilde, Rodgers discussed the aftermath of the Packers’ NFC Championship Game loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
The Seahawks overcame a 16-0 first-half deficit and a 19-7 Packers lead in the fourth quarter before defeating Green Bay in overtime, 28-22.
In a segment where Rodgers responds to questions from fans, Wilde read a question that asked if the outcomes of football games have an impact on Rodgers’ faith.
Wilde: “[The reader] says, ‘I always find it a little off-putting when athletes, actors and anybody says, “This is what God wanted,” or “I want to thank God for helping us win today,” anything along those lines when a game or award is won. I’m paraphrasing here, but you get the gist. Personally, with all the chaos in the world, I’m not sure God really cares about the outcome of a game or an awards show. What do you think of statements such as these? You’ve obviously got your faith. Does what happens on Sunday impact your relationship with God or your faith at all?”
Rodgers: “I agree with her. I don’t think God cares a whole lot about the outcome. He cares about the people involved, but I don’t think he’s a big football fan.”
Rodgers’ comments provided contrast to those from Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who credited God for Seattle’s come-from-behind win to MMQB.com’s Peter King after that game.
“That’s God setting it up, to make it so dramatic, so rewarding, so special,” he said, alone for a moment in the locker room before heading out for the night. “I’ve been through a lot in life, and had some ups and downs. It’s what’s led me to this day.”
Rodgers was not asked about Wilson’s response.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- L.A. Fires Show Reality of 1.5°C of Warming
- How Canada Fell Out of Love With Trudeau
- Trump Is Treating the Globe Like a Monopoly Board
- Bad Bunny On Heartbreak and New Album
- 10 Boundaries Therapists Want You to Set in the New Year
- The Motivational Trick That Makes You Exercise Harder
- Nicole Kidman Is a Pure Pleasure to Watch in Babygirl
- Column: Jimmy Carter’s Global Legacy Was Moral Clarity
Contact us at letters@time.com