Recently, Aaron Rodgers made headlines when on “The Pat McAfee Show” he suggested that some NFL personnel bypassed the league’s COVID-19 protocols using false vaccination cards. Following Rodgers’ comments, former quarterback Cam Newton added his perspective on the issue.

Newton discussed the 2021 NFL protocols on his “4th & 1” podcast, recalling the mandatory COVID-19 shots for all team personnel, including players and coaches, to avoid frequent testing requirements at team facilities. Those who did not comply needed to undergo daily testing, wear masks, and maintain distance during team activities.

Aaron Rodgers criticized Anthony Fauci’s Senate testimony, where Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment to avoid self-incrimination. Rodgers commented on various individuals allegedly using fake vaccination cards, even describing some as appearing unconvincing.

Rodgers expressed frustration with what he saw as an inconsistency in safety protocols, likening unvaccinated individuals to “second-rate citizens,” facing limitations on interactions and activities.

Cam Newton shared his experiences, noting that he believed many in NFL locker rooms avoided the vaccine but acquired cards fraudulently. “Man, I knew multiple people in that locker room didn’t get the Covid shot,” Newton remarked, pointing out that so-called ‘Cardgate’ had a significant impact within the NFL community.

While Newton mistakenly cited the start of Cardgate in 2020, it actually began in 2021. During this time, Newton himself navigated vaccination issues and was impacted by protocol misunderstandings, which affected his role with the New England Patriots.

The team announced that due to protocol misinterpretations related to his external testing, Newton experienced delays in returning to practice, ultimately losing his starting position.

If Rodgers and Newton’s claims hold true, a significant number of individuals bypassed NFL vaccine mandates, contributing to widespread adaptation of fake vaccination documentation during that period.