Aaron Rodgers’ journey into self-discovery took a unique turn with the help of psychedelics, as detailed in Ian O’Connor’s new book, *OUT OF THE DARKNESS: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers* (Mariner Books). The book reveals that Rodgers’ transformation was significantly influenced by his high-school friend, Jordan Russell, who introduced him to ayahuasca—a traditional Amazonian brew known for its psychoactive effects.

In 2019, Russell ventured to the Temple of the Way of Light in Iquitos, Peru, a renowned center for plant-medicine shamanic healing. Although Rodgers did not accompany Russell on this journey, the experiences recounted by his friend profoundly impacted him. Russell, who underwent a series of ayahuasca ceremonies, observed a deep realization about Rodgers’ true self. He described seeing past the persona Rodgers had built on the football field and perceiving him as a “warrior” with a “gigantic heart,” rather than just a famous athlete. This insight moved Russell deeply, leading him to share his revelations with Rodgers during a golf outing.

Inspired by Russell’s transformative experience, Rodgers decided to embark on his own ayahuasca journey in early 2020. At that time, he was accompanied by his then-girlfriend, racecar driver Danica Patrick. Their plans to explore the spiritual and psychological benefits of ayahuasca were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced them to cut their trip short. Despite this, Rodgers found even the limited exposure to the psychedelic to be life-changing. He later attributed his exceptional performance in the 2020 NFL season to this experience, a season during which he won the league MVP award.

Rodgers’ recounting of his ayahuasca experience reveals profound personal insights. He described a powerful vision where he felt as though he was being blessed by numerous hands, symbolizing love and forgiveness from his ancestors. This mystical experience, he believes, was instrumental in unlocking his peak performance on the field.

The book also delves into Rodgers’ complex personal life, particularly his relationships with family and friends. Rodgers is known for his tendency to sever ties with those who fall out of favor, including his own parents and older brother. His estrangement from his family began in 2014 following a strained visit involving his then-girlfriend, actress Olivia Munn. The book portrays Rodgers as having a stringent and sometimes harsh approach to maintaining relationships, with those who displease him being exiled to what he metaphorically calls “the Island.”

Russell himself experienced this exclusion first-hand. Once a close friend of Rodgers, Russell found himself distanced after struggling to repay a loan Rodgers had given him. Despite their falling out, Rodgers later reached out to reconcile, expressing his desire to move past their previous issues and reaffirming their bond.

The healing potential of ayahuasca extended beyond Rodgers’ relationship with Russell. After his initial ayahuasca experience with Patrick, Rodgers and Russell reunited and participated in several more psychedelic retreats in Costa Rica. These sessions were focused on mending their fractured friendship and addressing the emotional trauma caused by Rodgers’ earlier estrangement. Russell observed a notable change in Rodgers’ demeanor following these retreats, perceiving a “softening of [the] heart” and a more compassionate outlook from the quarterback.

Russell’s hope is that Rodgers will eventually reconcile with his estranged family members. Rodgers himself is open to the possibility of mending these relationships but acknowledges that timing and unforeseen complications often seem to thwart his efforts. He remains hopeful that, with time, he might restore his bond with his father and others.

In summary, O’Connor’s book paints a vivid picture of Aaron Rodgers’ journey through personal and spiritual growth, highlighting how psychedelics like ayahuasca have played a role in reshaping his understanding of himself and his relationships. Through these experiences, Rodgers has not only enhanced his performance on the football field but also sought to address and heal the more personal aspects of his life.