During the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a contentious encounter with a fan. While signing autographs at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Rodgers, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, refused to sign a hat for a man he suspected was an “autograph hound” — a term often used to describe people who collect autographs for profit rather than personal admiration.
The incident took place in a casual setting but quickly turned awkward as the two engaged in a back-and-forth over the man’s claim of having attended a game two decades ago.
Rodgers Questions Fan’s Story Despite Ticket and Game Details From 2005 Matchup
The fan tried to establish credibility by referencing a Packers-Saints game from 2005, when Rodgers was a backup to Brett Favre. Holding a ticket from Green Bay’s 52-3 victory, the fan recalled the score and mentioned that Rodgers threw a single pass during the blowout win.
While some of the man’s details were accurate — including the opponent and the fact Rodgers completed a pass — Rodgers challenged the authenticity of his story, saying the score was on the ticket and even testing the fan on specifics. The slight inaccuracy in recalling the final score appeared to trigger Rodgers’ skepticism.
Aaron Rodgers Refuses Fan’s Autograph, Sparks Debate Over Memorabilia and MotivesDespite the fan’s insistence that he had been at the game and remembered Rodgers’ performance, the four-time NFL MVP remained unconvinced. Rodgers acknowledged the man’s effort to recall the game but stood firm, stating, “You can look it up, though, and I would believe you then I would sign your thing.”
He ultimately declined to sign the hat, asserting that he didn’t believe the fan and suspected ulterior motives. The fan, visibly disappointed, walked away without an autograph.
Rodgers Stands Firm Amid Growing Concerns Over Autograph Scalpers at Public Events
As the exchange continued, Rodgers directly accused the man of being an “autograph hound,” a common concern among athletes wary of having their signatures sold online. Even when the fan offered to have the autograph personalized — a common way to prevent resale — Rodgers wasn’t swayed.
His repeated line, “You can’t fool me,” underscored his belief that the request wasn’t genuine. Background voices could be heard supporting Rodgers’ refusal, suggesting others may have shared his view.
The awkward moment happened amid a festive event filled with celebrities and athletes, including NBA star Steph Curry and NFL standout Travis Kelce.
Rodgers’ decision to call out a fan during what’s typically a relaxed, fan-friendly event sparked mixed reactions online, with some applauding his stand against autograph scalping and others questioning his harshness. The incident highlighted the tension athletes sometimes face when distinguishing between genuine fans and opportunists.
