Who Is Edward Wesley Rodgers? Aaron Rodgers’ Father Has a Story Too

When people hear the name Aaron Rodgers, they think of the NFL star, the MVP, and one of the best quarterbacks in football. But what about his dad?

Edward Wesley Rodgers is more than just “Aaron’s father.” He has his own interesting life story — one filled with football, family, personal choices, and even emotional moments. While he’s stayed out of the spotlight, his influence on Aaron’s life (and career) is hard to miss.

In this article, we’ll walk through who Edward is, what he did in his younger years, how he raised his sons, what caused the distance between him and Aaron, and how things changed in recent years. It’s a story of strength, parenting, love, and some quiet pain too.

Edward Wesley Rodgers Quick Bio

Where Edward Wesley Rodgers Came From

Edward Wesley Rodgers was born on February 9, 1955, in Texas, but he didn’t stay there long. He grew up in Lompoc, a small town in Southern California.

From a young age, Edward was always active. Like many kids back then, he played outside, joined local teams, and quickly fell in love with sports. He was especially drawn to football — a sport that would become a big part of his life.

His early life wasn’t fancy or famous. It was simple, filled with small-town values and hard work — things he later passed down to his sons.

Edward’s Young Football Days

Edward’s talent in football led him to play for Chico State University. He was a strong and reliable offensive lineman for the Chico State Wildcats from 1973 to 1976.

After college, Edward had big dreams. He tried to join the Canadian Football League (CFL), hoping to take his game to the next level. While he didn’t make it into the CFL, he did play for a semi-pro team in California. With that team, he won two national championships — a proud moment in his athletic journey.

But even with these wins, Edward soon realized that football might not be his long-term path. He had other goals, and a family future was on his mind.

Why He Left Football and Chose a New Path

Like many athletes, Edward faced a big question after college: What’s next? Football had been his passion, but he needed something more stable for the future.

Instead of chasing pro football forever, Edward made a smart move. He looked for a career that still connected to sports but would also allow him to support a family. That’s when he decided to go into health and wellness — and later became a chiropractor.

It wasn’t a flashy choice, but it was a wise one. And it would keep him close to athletes and fitness for many years.

Edward Wesley Rodgers Became a Chiropractor

After finishing his football chapter, Edward went back to school and studied Exercise Science and Physiology at Chico State University — the same college where he played football.

He later became a sports injury specialist and traditional chiropractor. His work focused on helping people recover from injuries by treating the real cause of their pain — not just covering up symptoms. It was a natural fit for someone who once lived and breathed football.

Over the years, Edward worked in different cities and served many patients, especially those with active or athletic lifestyles. He also joined the American College of Sports Medicine, showing how serious and professional he was about his new career.

Even today in 2025, Edward is still known in his community for his work and care.

Meet Edward’s Wife, Darla Pittman Rodgers

In 1980, Edward married Darla Pittman, a kind and athletic woman who had a spark of her own. Darla was a cheerleader and basketball player in college. She studied at Sacramento State University and later at California State University.

She once joked that her sons got their “dancer’s sense of movement” from her, and it kind of makes sense — all three Rodgers boys were quick on their feet and smart in space, just like athletes need to be.

Together, Edward and Darla made a strong team. Their marriage lasted over 40 years, and they built a family filled with love, values, and, of course, sports.

The Rodgers Family

Edward and Darla had three sons:

• Luke Rodgers, the eldest, who went on to work in podcasting and business.

• Aaron Rodgers, the middle child, who became a four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion.

• Jordan Rodgers, the youngest, who also played quarterback and later became a TV personality and reality star.

All three boys were active, athletic, and full of energy. It’s no surprise, considering both parents had a background in sports.

From a very young age, Aaron was already watching NFL games at home. His dad’s love for football clearly rubbed off on him — and helped shape the NFL legend he would later become.

How Edward Wesley Rodgers Raised His Kids

Edward wasn’t just a dad — he was a coach, a mentor, and a firm guide. He believed in discipline, hard work, and focus.

He taught his sons to stay away from drugs and alcohol, to stay grounded, and to take life seriously — especially when it came to chasing dreams. He didn’t want them to make the same mistakes he had made in his younger days, when he admits that drinking and partying slowed him down.

Instead, he raised his boys to have a strong will and a clear purpose. Aaron once said that he learned a lot from his parents — especially how to keep going when things get hard.

What Happened Between Edward and Aaron Rodgers?

Everything seemed fine… until it wasn’t.

Around 2014, Aaron suddenly cut off contact with his family. According to reports, he stopped replying to calls, returned Christmas gifts, and even changed his phone number. Some say he didn’t attend his grandfather’s funeral or show up at close friends’ weddings.

For years, Edward and Darla had no way to reach their son. In 2016, Bleacher Report revealed the family was no longer speaking. In 2017, Edward finally shared a short comment:

“Fame can change things.”

No one knows exactly what happened. Some say Aaron’s Hollywood relationship at the time (with actress Olivia Munn) played a role. Others believe it was a mix of stress, lifestyle differences, and fame. Whatever it was, the pain was real — and the silence lasted for years.

Their Private Reunion in 2023

After almost nine years of silence, something finally changed.

In summer 2023, Edward Wesley Rodgers showed up at the American Century Championship golf tournament in Lake Tahoe. He didn’t go to make a scene — he just wanted to quietly watch his son.

What he didn’t expect was for Aaron Rodgers to notice him in the crowd. At first, Aaron didn’t know what to do. He thought about walking away. But then, he took a deep breath… and walked toward his dad.

He looked at Edward and said, “Hi Pops.” That simple moment led to a quiet hug between father and son. Edward teared up. It wasn’t a long talk, but it was a powerful step — a moment of love after years apart. Later, Aaron would say,

“I don’t have any anger toward him. I still love him.”

That moment was proof that even the deepest family rifts can start to heal.

Edward Wesley Rodgers at Aaron’s Jets Debut

Just a few months later, Edward and his wife Darla were in the stands at MetLife Stadium. It was September 2023, and Aaron was making his first game debut with the New York Jets.

But something shocking happened. Only minutes into the game, Aaron fell to the ground. He had torn his Achilles tendon, a serious injury. The stadium went silent.

Edward said it was one of the strangest and saddest things he’d ever seen. He recalled how people around them didn’t even know who they were, but no one said anything mean. Everyone just sat in shock.

They didn’t get to see Aaron after the game. But Edward’s support was still there — quiet, steady, and full of hope.

Edward’s Dad Was a War Hero

Did you know that Edward Wesley Rodgers comes from a line of brave men?

His father — Lt. Col. Edward W. Rodgers — was a World War II pilot. He flew 44 bombing missions over Europe and once saved his whole crew by flying a burning plane back to safety. He was captured and became a prisoner of war, but never gave up.

While in the camp, he even wrote plays to entertain the guards so his fellow soldiers could earn extra food. He was finally freed in 1945.

That kind of strength and courage runs deep in the Rodgers family. It helps explain Edward’s strong, never-give-up mindset — and maybe even Aaron’s, too.

Where Is Edward Wesley Rodgers Today?

As of 2025, Edward Wesley Rodgers is still living a quiet life in Chico, California with his wife Darla.

He continues working as a chiropractor, helping people recover from pain and stay active. He doesn’t appear much in public or give interviews, but those who know him say he’s kind, focused, and passionate about his work.

His sons, Luke and Jordan, have both praised him many times. Luke even called him his “hero,” saying he learned how to be a good man by watching his dad.

While things with Aaron are still private, the moment they shared in 2023 gave fans hope. Maybe they are slowly rebuilding what was lost.

Final Thoughts

Edward Wesley Rodgers may not be a celebrity, but his story is full of heart.

He was once an athlete, then a healer, and always a father. He raised three sons with love, discipline, and purpose. One of those sons became one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history — and even through the ups and downs, Edward has remained strong and steady.

His journey shows us that every famous person has someone behind them. And in Aaron’s case, that someone was Edward Wesley Rodgers — a father with a powerful story of his own.

(FAQs)

What is Edward Wesley Rodgers’ net worth?

Edward Wesley Rodgers has an estimated net worth of around $2 to $3 million in 2025. Most of it comes from his long career as a chiropractor and sports injury specialist — not football!

Is Edward Wesley Rodgers still alive today?

Yes, Edward Wesley Rodgers is still alive and doing well in 2025. He lives in Chico, California, and continues to work as a chiropractor.

Is Edward Wesley Rodgers really a chiropractor?

Yes! He’s a licensed chiropractor and sports injury expert. He’s been helping patients for over 30 years, focusing on fixing the root cause of pain.

How tall is Edward Wesley Rodgers?

Edward Wesley Rodgers is around 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall. He used to be an offensive lineman, so he has a strong build even now.

What religion does Edward Wesley Rodgers follow?

Edward was raised in a Christian household and passed those values to his children. His son Aaron later took a different spiritual path, but Edward’s faith stayed the same.