On February 28, 2021, the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards unfolded in a unique, pandemic-era format, with nominees joining virtually and presenters gracing a limited red carpet. Amid the glitz, glamour, and occasional Zoom glitches, one moment stood out as particularly unexpected: Jodie Foster’s acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture. While accepting her award for her role in The Mauritanian, Foster delivered a heartfelt and humorous speech that included a surprising thank-you to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers—a name that left audiences puzzled and sparked widespread curiosity. This article explores the context, significance, and reasons behind Foster’s shocking shout-out, unraveling the connections and motivations that made this moment a pop culture phenomenon.

The Context: A Virtual Golden Globes and Foster’s Win

The 2021 Golden Globes were unlike any before, shaped by the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler from opposite coasts, the ceremony blended virtual appearances with in-person elements. Jodie Foster, a seasoned actress with a storied career, was nominated for her portrayal of Nancy Hollander, a defense attorney in The Mauritanian, a legal drama about a Guantanamo Bay detainee. Foster’s performance was lauded for its intensity and nuance, earning her the Best Supporting Actress award—a victory that caught even her by surprise.

Foster accepted the award from the comfort of her living room, dressed in chic pajamas, alongside her wife, Alexandra Hedison, and their dog, Ziggy. Her speech began with a stunned exclamation: “Oh, my God, are you kidding me? I think you made a mistake. I’m a little speechless.” She went on to thank her director, Kevin Macdonald, her co-stars, and the real-life figures who inspired the film. But it was her closing remarks that stole the show: “I love my wife—thank you, Alex—and Ziggy, and Aaron Rodgers, and, you know, the Hollywood Foreign Press. This is awesome!” The inclusion of Rodgers, a professional football player with no apparent connection to the film, left viewers and media outlets buzzing with questions.

The Shock: Why Aaron Rodgers?

Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers’ star quarterback, was not a name anyone expected to hear in a Golden Globes acceptance speech. Known for his prowess on the football field and his recent announcement as the 2020 NFL MVP, Rodgers seemed an unlikely figure in the world of Hollywood awards. The mention was so random that it prompted immediate speculation on social media and in the press. Was there a personal connection? Did Rodgers have a role in The Mauritanian? Or was Foster simply trolling the audience?

The confusion was amplified by the fact that Rodgers had recently mentioned Foster in his own acceptance speech at the NFL Honors Awards on February 6, 2021. While accepting his third MVP award, Rodgers thanked a long list of supporters, including his fiancée and, inexplicably, Jodie Foster. This earlier shout-out had already raised eyebrows, as Rodgers offered no explanation for including the actress. Foster’s reciprocal thank-you at the Golden Globes seemed to escalate what some media outlets dubbed a “shout-out competition,” leaving fans eager to uncover the story behind this unlikely exchange.

The Connection: Shailene Woodley and the Green Bay Packers

The key to understanding Foster’s mention of Rodgers lies in a web of professional and personal connections, with actress Shailene Woodley at the center. Woodley, who co-starred with Foster in The Mauritanian, had recently confirmed her engagement to Rodgers. The couple’s relationship, which came to public attention in early 2021, was a surprise to many, given Woodley’s lack of interest in football—she admitted to never having attended a game. However, their engagement provided a crucial link between Foster and Rodgers.

Foster and Woodley developed a close working relationship during the filming of The Mauritanian. In a virtual press room after the Golden Globes, Foster clarified that she had never met Rodgers in person but suggested that her enthusiasm for the Green Bay Packers might have played a role in the shout-out. “I have never met Aaron Rodgers, but it is possible that I do like to talk about how much I love the Green Bay Packers,” Foster said, laughing. “Sometimes I can talk a little bit too much about that, so of course Shailene was very aware of my enthusiasm for the team.”

Foster’s fandom for the Packers is well-documented. Over the years, she has openly expressed her support for the team, even joking on Conan years earlier about her love for Green Bay. Woodley, aware of Foster’s passion, likely shared this with Rodgers, who may have included Foster in his MVP speech as a nod to his fiancée’s co-star and her fandom. Foster, in turn, promised to return the favor during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on February 18, 2021. When Kimmel asked if she would thank Rodgers if she won a Golden Globe, Foster replied, “Absolutely. I may have to name the whole team. Davante Adams has to be in there somewhere.” True to her word, Foster delivered, though she kept it to Rodgers alone.

Debunking the Matchmaker Myth

One popular theory that emerged was that Foster had introduced Woodley to Rodgers, given their collaboration on The Mauritanian. The timing of Rodgers’ engagement announcement and Foster’s involvement in the film fueled speculation that she played a matchmaker role. However, Foster was quick to dispel this rumor in the post-Globes press room, stating, “I did not set up Shailene and Aaron. I have never met Aaron Rodgers.” Instead, she attributed the connection to her vocal support for the Packers, which Woodley likely discussed with Rodgers.

This clarification put to rest the idea of Foster as a romantic catalyst but did little to dampen the public’s fascination with the story. The exchange between Foster and Rodgers became a delightful example of cross-industry camaraderie, bridging the worlds of Hollywood and professional sports in a way that felt both random and endearing.

The Playful Rivalry: A “Shout-Out Competition”

What made Foster’s mention of Rodgers even more entertaining was the suggestion that this was not a one-off event but part of an ongoing playful rivalry. In the virtual press room, Foster revealed that she had received a video from Rodgers after her speech, in which he promised to “get her back.” “I got a very cute video from Aaron Rodgers where he said he’s going to get me back,” Foster said. “I’m looking forward to this. We’ll see who wins.”

This teasing exchange hinted at the possibility of future shout-outs, perhaps during Rodgers’ upcoming stint as a guest host on Jeopardy! in April 2021 or at another awards ceremony. The idea of two high-profile figures from vastly different fields engaging in a lighthearted game of name-dropping captured the public’s imagination, with media outlets like TMZ declaring, “A Rodgers-Foster thank you shout-out competition … we didn’t know we needed it in 2021—but we’re sure as hell glad it’s here now!”

The Cultural Impact: A Moment of Levity

Foster’s mention of Rodgers was more than just a quirky moment; it was a refreshing dose of levity in an awards season marked by the challenges of the pandemic. The 2021 Golden Globes were criticized for technical glitches and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s lack of diversity, making Foster’s speech a standout for its authenticity and humor. Her cozy, pajama-clad appearance, complete with a kiss for her wife and a cuddle with Ziggy, endeared her to viewers, while the Rodgers shout-out added an element of surprise that sparked joy and conversation.

Social media platforms like Twitter lit up with reactions, from sports commentator Mina Kimes’ enthusiastic “🚨 JODIE FOSTER JUST THANKED AARON RODGERS 🚨” to fans speculating about the nature of their connection. The moment also highlighted the power of celebrity crossovers, as Foster and Rodgers—unlikely allies—demonstrated how shared connections and mutual respect could create memorable cultural moments.

The Reason Behind the Shout-Out

So, why did Jodie Foster thank Aaron Rodgers in her 2021 Golden Globes speech? The answer lies in a combination of professional ties, personal fandom, and a playful promise. Foster’s work with Shailene Woodley on The Mauritanian brought her into Rodgers’ orbit, albeit indirectly, through Woodley’s engagement. Her lifelong passion for the Green Bay Packers made Rodgers a natural figure to acknowledge, especially after he name-dropped her in his MVP speech. Foster’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! sealed the deal, as she committed to returning the favor if she won an award.

Beyond these tangible connections, the shout-out was a testament to Foster’s sense of humor and her willingness to embrace the unexpected. By including Rodgers in her speech, she not only honored a promise but also created a moment that resonated with audiences for its sheer unpredictability. The exchange underscored the idea that even in a world divided by industries and professions, shared passions—like a love for the Packers—can forge surprising bonds.

Conclusion

Jodie Foster’s 2021 Golden Globes speech will be remembered not only for her well-deserved win but also for the delightful shock of hearing Aaron Rodgers’ name among her thank-yous. What began as a seemingly random mention revealed a tapestry of connections, from Foster’s collaboration with Shailene Woodley to her unwavering support for the Green Bay Packers. The moment sparked speculation, laughter, and a playful rivalry that captivated audiences, proving that even in a virtual awards show, human connection and humor can steal the spotlight.

As Foster and Rodgers continue their lighthearted “shout-out competition,” their exchange serves as a reminder of the joy found in unexpected intersections of culture. Whether Rodgers retaliates on Jeopardy! or Foster doubles down at the next awards show, this moment has cemented its place in Golden Globes history as a charming, confounding, and utterly unforgettable highlight.