Aaron Rodgersis no stranger to ugly breakups. It was a well-publicized divorce between the quarterback and theGreen Bay Packersin the spring of 2023. History repeated itself earlier this year when theNew York Jets decided to go their separate ways. While those issues typically remain limited to the happenings on the field, this time, it's about Rodgers off of it. Former IndyCar and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick famously dated Rodgers from 2018 to 2020, and now she's speaking out about her relationship with the four-time NFL MVP. During an appearance on the"Sage Steele Show" podcast, Patrick said the breakup with Rodgers was the most pain she's ever experienced in her life. "It was sudden," Patrick said. "Felt like it was my life, when you live with someone, it was your whole life. It's your dentist appointment. It's your hairdo, your clothes. It's like your mailing address. It's like everything. And because of the nature of the relationship was emotionally abusive so that wore me down to nothing." Danica Patrick opens up about the heartbreak of her 2020 breakup with Aaron Rodgers — calling it the most painful experience of her life. But through what she describes as emotional abuse, she found something bigger - herself.Watch the full conversation now on YouTube.pic.twitter.com/kwQjb7xQ4A — Sage Steele (@sagesteele)May 23, 2025 Patrick added that "everything was torn to bits," citing her complete lack of confidence or belief in the simple things about herself. "He leaves a trail of blood," Patrick said, without going into further detail. "I don't think I'm saying too much, you know earth-shattering stuff. There's been enough out there." For the race car driver, the end of that relationship was a gift that offered a new opportunity. "It gave me the greatest gift, the greatest gift, which was myself," Patrick said. "You know it gave me the greatest gift of how much I needed to show up for myself and take care of myself." Steele asked if those feelings had existed at the moment or if they were a result of hindsight. Patrick pointed out that it's her nature to try and make things work while doing the hard things. "I just say I'm built for hard things," Patrick said about initially wanting to make it work and not give up. "I can handle hard things. I just saw it as a hard thing. My nature is to try harder and do more." She continued, saying there is no shame or regret on her end, adding it's all part of the path and learning the lessons in becoming who you are. Patrick isn't the first person to come forward about relationship difficulties with Rodgers. Shailene Woodley, an actress who was previously engaged to the quarterback, detailed her time with Rodgers in an interview withOutside Magazinein 2024. Woodley called the relationship a "toxic situation," saying that it felt like she lost her soul, self, happiness and joy. "I haven't shared much about my relationship with Aaron because it always makes me cry," Woodley told the magazine. "It was not right. But it was beautiful." MORE:Terry Bradshaw slams Steelers, Aaron Rodgers for quarterback situation While Rodgers has cited personal reasons for his decision to remain a free agent at the moment, training camp is fast approaching. The quarterback is still without a team, even though it's believed thePittsburgh Steelerswill be his eventual destination. However, in this relationship, it's the Steelers that would be signing up for everything that comes with it. Time will tell whether their courtship of Rodgers ends better than it has for others. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Aaron Rodgers relationship: Danica Patrick discusses breakup
