Back in 2021, then-Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was excited to host Jeopardy.
Alex Trebek, the long-time host of the quiz show that pits three contestants getting clues and then putting answers in the form of a question, passed away that year and it left a huge hole to fill at the time.
Rodgers was among several celebrities who expressed interest in hosting Jeopardy! after Alex Trebek’s passing in November 2020.
It turns out Aaron Rodgers was fairly close to landing the job.
According to ex-producer and one-time host Mike Richards, the now-New York Jets quarterback was once considered a frontrunner for the Jeopardy! hosting job following Alex Trebek’s death.
Aaron Rodgers reportedly prepped with “intensity” for his “Jeopardy!” guest host role in hopes of landing the gig after the passing of longtime host Alex Trebek, the former producer said.
In order to identify a replacement for Trebek and better understand fan interest, show executives decided to try out a number of guest presenters in 2021. The fifth host, Aaron Rodgers, started his two-week assignment in April.
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“Aaron Rodgers was definitely the most prepared,” former producer Mike Richards told People Magazine. “I was blown away by that, the intensity in which he prepped, and he was so lovely to everyone on staff.”
Ultimately, though, Richards was concerned that Rodgers’ other “pretty high level” profession might provide obstacles to his long-term hosting of “Jeopardy!”
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“I was like, ‘How are you going to work this out with football scheduling?’ He said, ‘You’ll figure it out!'” Richards recounted.
Aaron Rodgers “really wanted the job” because he was a personal fan of the game show.
Aaron Rodgers Hoping To Rebound In 2024 After Injury In 2023 Season Ended His Year
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon, ending his first season with the New York Jets after four offensive snaps.
Rodgers’ injury, and his subsequent recovery, were one of the NFL’s main storylines all season. He even spoke on trying to return to this field later in the year but it never happened since the team had played their way out of the playoff race.
Rodgers is still recovering to ensure that he is 100% by the time the 2024 season kicks off. He will turn 41 years old this year.
