You might know Aaron Rodgers as a famous football player, but have you ever heard about his mother, Darla Leigh Pittman Rodgers? She’s not just any football player’s mom. Her story is about strength, support, and how she quietly helped shape a sports legend.
Darla’s life shows the importance of family values in Aaron’s successful career. Join us as we share the tale of a woman whose influence extends far beyond the football field, into the heart of her family’s passion for sports.
Birth, Parents, and Education
Darla Leigh Pittman Rodgers was born on January 26, 1958 in Mendocino, California to parents Charles Pittman and Barbara Blair. She received her primary education at Ukiah High School and continued her studies at both Sacramento University and California State University.
Along with her academic pursuits, Darla also pursued dance during her time in high school and university, eventually going on to have a professional career in the field. She began her higher education at Sacramento University before transferring to California State University after two years.
There, she studied Gerontology and Stress Management and was active in dance as part of the cheerleading team. Darla also played baseball during her college years.
Marriage
Darla Leigh Pittman Rodgers and Edward Wesley Rodgers tied the knot on April 5, 1980. Their paths crossed at California State University (Chico). Where Darla was part of the university’s dance team and Edward was playing football as an offensive lineman for the Chico State Wildcats. Since their college times, they have stayed together, maintaining a strong and loving relationship throughout their marriage.
Edward Wesley Rodgers: Husband
Edward Wesley Rodgers, renowned for his work as a sports injury specialist and traditional chiropractor, is married to Darla Leigh Pittman Rodgers. With over two decades in the chiropractic business, Edward, often referred to as Ed, has earned recognition for his expertise in sports medicine and wellness.
He is also noted for his educational background in Physical Education/Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology. Ed Rodgers played football during his college days and later pursued a career in chiropractic, graduating from Western States Chiropractic College in 1997. He is the father of Aaron Rodgers. The NFL quarterback who has played for teams like the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets.
Children
Darla Leigh Pittman Rodgers and Edward Wesley Rodgers are parents to three sons. Each following his own distinct career path:
- Luke Rodgers, who came into the world in April 1982, works as a podcaster. He and his wife, Aimee Rodgers, are parents to a boy named Jack Jordan Rodgers.
- Aaron Charles Rodgers, born on December 2, 1983, is a famous NFL quarterback, known for his successful career with teams like the Green Bay Packers.
- Jordan Rodgers pursued football during his college years and later became known as a sports commentator and the winner of the 12th season of the reality TV show “The Bachelorette.”
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers was born on December 2, 1983, in Chico, California, and is a well-known American football quarterback famous for his accuracy and smart play on the field. He started playing football as a quarterback at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico.
Despite showing promise, he didn’t attract much attention from college teams. Which led him to play for Butte Community College. After a year, he moved to the University of California, Berkeley. Where he studied American Studies and helped the Golden Bears achieve a 10–2 record and a top-ten finish in 2004.
In the 2005 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Rodgers in the first round. He served as a backup to Brett Favre for his first three seasons. By 2008, Rodgers was the team’s starting quarterback, quickly proving himself as one of the top players in the league. His career highlights include:
- Winning Super Bowl XLV and being named Super Bowl MVP
- Being named NFL Most Valuable Player four times (2011, 2014, 2020, 2021)
- Selection to the Pro Bowl ten times
- Earning First-team All-Pro honors four times
- Setting the NFL record for career passer rating (minimum 1,500 attempts) at 103.6
- Recording the lowest single-season interception percentage at 0.3% in 2018
- Leading the NFL in stats like touchdown-to-interception ratio, passing touchdowns, and passer rating several times.
Rodgers is known for his strategic play, including rare interceptions and high passer ratings, making him one of the most efficient quarterbacks ever. His knack for making crucial plays, especially his famous “Hail Mary” passes, has made him a key player in clutch moments.
Throughout his time with the Packers, Rodgers led the team to numerous playoff runs and consistently challenged for the championship. His leadership and abilities have not only brought success to his team but have also influenced many fans and players. As of 2023, Rodgers is playing with the New York Jets. Adding a new chapter to his NFL journey with his vast experience and skills.
Personal Life
Aaron Rodgers is not married. He was previously engaged to actress Shailene Woodley, but the engagement was called off. Currently, he is reported to be dating Mallory Edens.
Relations of Aaron Rodgers with his Family
Reports have suggested a strained relationship between Aaron Rodgers and his mother, Darla Leigh Pittman Rodgers, for several years. This rift within the family, including Aaron’s younger brother Jordan Rodgers, has been a topic of public discussion since at least 2014.
In 2016, it became widely known that there was tension in the relationship between Aaron Rodgers and his family. This became evident when his brother, Jordan Rodgers, made an appearance on the television show “The Bachelorette” and discussed their estrangement. However, the family has not publicly revealed the specific reasons for their strained relationship.
Reconciliation Rumors
Aaron Rodgers’ relationship with his parents has been strained, and there have been periods where they did not speak. However, there have been indications that Aaron spent time with his parents after his brother Jordan accused him of lacking compassion, suggesting a possible mending of their relationship.
Social Media Presence
Darla Leigh Pittman Rodgers, while being the mother of a famous NFL quarterback, maintains a very private life and does not have a public social media presence. Her sons, particularly Luke Rodgers, sometimes share glimpses of her on their social media accounts. But Darla herself chooses to stay out of the social media spotlight.
Her husband, Edward Wesley Rodgers, has a modest following on Instagram, where he occasionally shares family moments. Aaron Rodgers is active on social media, particularly on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. He often shares posts reflecting his personal life, thoughts, and experiences related to football.
Net Worth
It is believed that Darla Leigh Pittman Rodgers, the mother of NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, has a net worth of around $1 million. However, her exact net worth remains undisclosed, and this figure is merely an estimate. Darla’s primary source of income and financial details are not publicly known, as she prefers to maintain a private life away from the media spotlight. Here’s the estimated net worth for each of the Rodgers brothers:
Aaron Rodgers
As of April 2024, Aaron Rodgers’ net worth is estimated to be around $200 million. He is known for his successful career as an NFL quarterback.
Luke Rodgers
Luke Rodgers has an estimated net worth of around $1 million. His income comes from various business ventures and sports media projects.
Jordan Rodgers
Jordan Rodgers has an estimated net worth of approximately $2 million. He has earned his wealth through his career as a professional football player and sports commentator, as well as his appearance on the reality TV show “The Bachelorette.”
Bottom Line
Darla Leigh Pittman Rodgers’ story shows how much a mother can influence her children’s futures, guiding them towards success. Her life highlights the importance of family, support, and the quiet strength that stands behind a well-known person.