Aaron Rodgers criticized FBI Director Kash Patel after the federal official was seen celebrating with the United States men’s hockey team following their gold medal victory at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Speaking during a March 4 appearance on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers questioned Patel’s presence in the locker room during the team’s postgame celebration.
“Can we get that one guy out of the locker room and get him working on something else?” Rodgers said, adding, “That’s a bad look. Come on, have some awareness.”
Patel drew attention in February after footage circulated on social media showing him inside the team’s locker room after the United States defeated Canada in the men’s hockey final on February 22. In the video, Patel drank beer and celebrated with players as they marked the victory.
During the celebration, Patel joined members of the team in singing Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” The appearance prompted criticism from some observers who questioned whether the FBI director should have been present during the celebration.
Holy Sh*t: Aaron Rodgers goes OFF on FBI director Kash Patel for partying in the locker room with the Team USA men's hockey team.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 4, 2026
"Can we get that guy out of the lockerroom and get him working on something else. That's a bad look."
😬😬😬 pic.twitter.com/907LSrG6Qo
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The United States secured the gold medal after forward Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal in overtime against Canada, sealing a 2–1 victory. The win marked the first Olympic gold medal for the U.S. men’s hockey team in 46 years, dating back to the “Miracle on Ice” victory at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
Aaron Rodgers Discusses Uncertain NFL Future After 2025 Season
During the same appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Aaron Rodgers also addressed speculation about his NFL future after previously suggesting that the 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers could be his final year in the league.
Rodgers said he has not yet made a decision about returning for the 2026 season and emphasized that there is no immediate timeline for making that choice.
“Anybody on here that is expecting me to make some big decision, just turn it off now,” Rodgers said. “I’ve talked to Mike (McCarthy). I’ve talked to Omar (Khan). There’s been no deadline that’s been put in front of me.”
He added, “There’s no contract offer or anything, so there’s nothing that I’m having to debate between. I’m a free agent, and I’m enjoying my time with my wife and this part of the offseason.”
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Rodgers helped lead Pittsburgh to the AFC North title in 2025. However, the Steelers’ postseason run ended in the wild-card round after a loss to the Houston Texans.
