Jordan Rodgers and his baggage continue to be the breakout stars of “The Bachelorette.”
The 27-year-old former football pro, who whisked girlfriend JoJo Fletcher home to Chico, Calif., on Monday’s episode, continues to try to sweep his strained relationship with older brother Aaron Rodgers — the world-famous quarterback of the Green Bay Packers — under the rug.
And while Jordan does tell his reality TV flame bits and pieces of their ongoing beef, it was up to the brunette beauty to do some detective work of her own.
During a visit to his old high school, JoJo finds several photos of Jordan and Aaron from their teenage years. Jordan isn’t inclined to open up, so JoJo hopes his other older brother, Luke, will spill the beans.
“You could tell Jordan didn’t really want to talk about it and that it hurts him to bring it up,” JoJo says of the bad blood.
After arriving at the Rodgers homestead, JoJo meets Jordan’s parents before she gets the opportunity to quiz Luke alone.
“It’s something we don’t really like to talk about. It pains both of us not to have that relationship,” Luke explains. “We miss our brother. We just are trusting God brings things full circle. And just wish that everything would just get back to us being a family.”
After Jordan confirmed his relationship with Aaron is “complicated,” family patriarch Ed Rodgers suggests fame may have played a part in the rift.
“Fame can change you, but one thing I know about Jordan, he’s so strong-willed and that’s not going to change him in any way,” Mr. Rodgers tells JoJo.
Though Jordan’s true intentions have become a subject of scrutiny throughout the season, with reports alleging he joined the show to score a broadcasting job, it’s evident JoJo chooses to see him as his own man.
“I know who Jordan is. And I know who he is to me. He’s nobody’s brother. He is a man that I am falling in love with and I am crazy about,” JoJo admits.
After leaving the Rodgerses’ neighborhood to embark on the rest of her cross-country road trip, JoJo ponders why the famous middle child opts to miss out.
“I have no idea, nor could I ever imagine why Aaron wouldn’t want to be a part of their lives,” she says.
As a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, it’s likely Aaron wants to keep his personal life — family drama, blunt celebrity girlfriend and all — off the field.