Isaiah Rodgers Calls Out Racism After Tough Loss Against the Eagles
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers didn’t just walk off the field after Sunday’s loss — he walked right into a moment that exposed the ugly side of fandom. Following the Vikings’ 28-22 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, Rodgers took to X to reveal that he’d received “some of the most racist comments” since joining the league.
Rodgers shared a screenshot on Instagram showing hateful DMs — some filled with racial slurs, including the N-word. One message was so vile it compared him to Hitler, writing, “ur worse than Hitler.” Strangely, that same person circled back later with an apology. The irony speaks volumes.
On the field, Rodgers was defending two major plays that swung the momentum for the Eagles: a 79-yard touchdown by DeVonta Smith and a 45-yard completion to A.J. Brown that sealed the game. Rodgers didn’t shy away from accountability afterward, saying:
“I put it on me. I came here for a reason, and those type of plays I know I can make. So, I put it on me.”
But when he later wrote on X, “Racism is real,” it hit differently. It wasn’t about the game anymore. It was about something much deeper — how Black athletes are often expected to perform perfectly just to be treated with basic respect.
From the Eagles to the Vikings: Rodgers’ Journey and Strength
Before landing with the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year, $15 million free-agent deal in March, Rodgers spent 2024 with the Philadelphia Eagles — the same team whose fans turned their rage into racism. The irony writes itself.
Rodgers’ career has been a story of redemption and work ethic. In Week 3, he made history by becoming the first player in NFL history to score two defensive touchdowns and force two fumbles in a single game — and all in the first half of a 48-14 blowout against the Cincinnati Bengals.
That kind of performance doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from grit, focus, and heart — qualities that can’t be measured by stats or social media trolls.
Rodgers’ post wasn’t about self-pity. It was about truth. The same truth that so many Black athletes, entertainers, and public figures face when criticism crosses into hate. His courage to share that experience sparked conversations far beyond football — and that’s exactly what needs to happen.
What’s Next for Isaiah Rodgers and the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, and all eyes are on Rodgers — not just for his defense, but for his strength off the field.
Even after dealing with hate messages, Rodgers is keeping it professional. His ability to remain calm and still show up for his team shows what true leadership looks like.
Fans and teammates have since shown public support for Rodgers, flooding his comments with messages of solidarity. For many, his situation shines a light on how far sports still have to go when it comes to racial respect and accountability.