AP Photo/Bryan Woolston
- RFK Jr. is eyeing two unconventional names for his running mate.
- According to The New York Times, Kennedy has talked to Jets QB Aaron Rodgers.
- Kennedy has also spoken with former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura.
Longshot presidential hopeful Robert Kennedy Jr. told The New York Times that he is considering both Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura as potential running mates for his third-party run.
Kennedy's consideration of the two men illustrates the sphere of influence the noted vaccine skeptic continues to cultivate after abandoning his brief primary challenge to President Joe Biden. Both Rodgers and Ventura have expressed skepticism about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Per the Times, Rodgers has welcomed Kennedy's interest, and someone registered the domain kennedyrodgers.com last week.
The former NFL MVP is still under contract with The New York Jets. He has yet to play a full game for the team after leaving the Green Bay Packers following the 2022 season.
A representative for Rodgers did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.
According to the Times, everyone else Kennedy has talked to, including former Democratic presidential candidates Andrew Yang and Tulsi Gabbard, has turned down a chance to join his ticket. Kennedy also reportedly spoke with Sen. Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican and former GOP presidential hopeful.
Rodgers received significant attention during the 2021 NFL season for misleading comments about his vaccination status. Earlier this year, Rodgers challenged Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who signed an endorsement deal with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, and infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci to a debate.
The quarterback also got into trouble for comments about comedian Jimmy Kimmel and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Rodgers suggested that Kimmel would be nervous about the release of associates of Epstein, who was facing sex trafficking charges before he died of suicide. There is no evidence tying Kimmel to Epstein.
Kennedy's campaign did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment.
As the Times noted, Kennedy must name a running mate relatively soon to comply with state ballot access deadlines.