Danica Patrick Details Emotional Abuse by Aaron Rodgers

Danica Patrick is no stranger to the spotlight but, recently, the former NASCAR star has opened up about something far more personal than racetracks or racing trophies. 

In a candid conversation on The Sage Steele Show, Danica got real about her past relationship with NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers – and the emotional abuse she says she endured during their nearly three years together.

Danica Patrick Accuses Aaron Rodgers of Emotional Abuse

Danica Patrick and Aaron Rodgers were one of those high-profile celebrity relationships that seemed picture-perfect from the outside. 

They started dating in early 2018 after years of staying in touch following a meeting at the ESPY Awards. But, by July 2020, it was over, and, behind the scenes, things were far from idyllic.

Reflecting on the breakup, Danica called it the most amount of pain she’s ever experienced. Living together had made the relationship feel like her entire world and, when it ended, it left her shattered. 

“It was sudden, it felt like. It was my life,” she explained. And the nature of the relationship, she added, was emotionally abusive – a term she didn’t fully recognize until she had time to look back.

The Subtle Signs of Emotional Abuse

It’s clear now that what Danica went through was more than just a tough breakup. She described how her confidence was stripped away bit by bit: “Everything was torn to bits.”

She admitted that, during the relationship, she often brushed off the red flags. “I would say all the time, ‘I’m built for hard things. I can handle hard things.’” 

Instead of walking away, she leaned in, hoping that, if she just tried harder, things would get better. But, as many who’ve experienced emotional abuse know, love alone isn’t enough to fix a relationship that chips away at your sense of self.

Finding Herself After the Breakup

The road to healing hasn’t been easy, but Danica believes the experience gave her something she didn’t expect: a deeper connection to herself. “It gave me the greatest gift of how much I needed to show up for myself and take care of myself,” she shared.

These days, Danica speaks about personal growth with clarity and strength. She’s used the pain to fuel a journey of self-discovery, showing others, especially women, that it’s possible to reclaim your power, even after a deeply damaging relationship.

The Other Side of the Story

Aaron Rodgers, now 41, has said little publicly about the darker side of the relationship. In a 2022 interview, he referred to their time together as “great for me,” noting that they shared interests in spirituality and meditation. 

But his public image has since taken a few hits, with recent controversies tied to conspiracy theories and his breakup with actor Shailene Woodley, who has also spoken about the emotional aftermath.

Celebrity relationships often look polished and aspirational from the outside, but Danica’s story is a powerful reminder that even the most glamorous partnerships can hide pain and emotional turmoil.

Moving Forward with Strength

Danica Patrick’s openness about the emotional abuse she faced is more than just a revelation. It’s an act of courage. She’s shining a light on the realities so many people face in silence, encouraging others to recognize their worth and know when it’s time to walk away.

If you or someone you know is in an emotionally abusive relationship, help is available. In the US, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). In the UK, contact Refuge at 0808 2000 247 or reach out to the Men’s Advice Line at 0808 8010 327.

Danica Patrick may have once felt broken but, today, she’s standing tall – not just as a racing legend, but as a woman who found her way back to herself.