NY Jets QB Aaron Rodgers Upstaged At UFC 302 By President Trump
Donald Trump stole the show at UFC 302 on Saturday night, but an NFL player's appearance also had people buzzing.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 01: Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends UFC 302 at Prudential Center on June 01, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 01: Aaron Rodgers is seen in attendance during the UFC 302 event at Prudential Center on June 01, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers received major recognition at Prudence Center on Saturday but was quickly upstaged by former President Trump — a political opponent of sorts to Rodgers — in a crescendo of cheers at the star-studded event. The crowd went berserk as Donald Trump walked out into the arena with UFC President Dana White.
Trump's reception only added to the ex-president's momentum en route to November.
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Rodgers was once in the running as the VP pick for independent Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The presidential candidate picked Nicole Shanahan, the ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin.
Trump appeared to acknowledge Rodgers with a nod as he reached the front seats, but the QB hardly budged at the sight of the former president.
Aaron Rodgers promotes himself as a political independent. The general media's account describes his off-the-field controversies as ‘right-leaning’.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 01: Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends UFC 302 at Prudential Center on June 01, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The NFL vet still showed reverence when Trump came over to shake his hand after the festivities.
Rodgers shared a photo of the interaction with Trump on his social media, adding the caption "Priceless," which some took as ‘shade’ thrown at the ex-prez.
It was far from a jab at Trump.
Trump's growing appeal was on clear display Saturday, mere days after his conviction in New York over 34 counts of ‘falsifying business records.’
Libs slapped the ‘felon’ tag on Trump but the UFC faithful in attendance — made up of mostly ‘dudes’ — welcomed Trump with major praise.
The fans acknowledged Trump's presence, as did the UFC talent.
After his win against Brazilian Paulo Costa, middleweight madman Sean Strickland thanked Trump for his impact on the nation and vowed to donate to his campaign.
Strickland also bashed the New York conviction.
"President Trump, you're the man, bro. It is a damn travesty what they are doing to you. I’ll be donating to you, my man. Let's get it done," Strickland enthusiastically told the crowd and the Republican leader.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 01: Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends UFC 302 at Prudential Center on June 01, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
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