Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s unconventional pick for a running mate on his independent presidential ticket has been one of the biggest storylines so far this election cycle. Rumors swirled that the anti-vaccine advocate was considering polarizing the New York Jets star Aaron Rodgers to join his underdog campaign. However, RFK Jr. appears to be going in a different direction with his VP selection.

The focus has shifted to Nicole Shanahan, a Californian attorney and entrepreneur, potentially being tapped as Kennedy’s number two. While Rodgers would certainly turn heads, Shanahan may prove to be the smarter choice that gives the long-shot ticket a better chance at being competitive.

Beyond the gridiron glitz of Aaron Rodgers

A source close to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign revealed to Diana Falzone of The Mediaite that the deciding factor in selecting Nicole Shanahan over Aaron Rodgers as his running mate is her ability to financially bankroll the complicated ballot access efforts required for an independent candidate. “She might be infusing millions of dollars into the campaign to help fund the ballot initiative, which makes her attractive financially,” the insider stated.

Shanahan amassed her fortune during her marriage to Google co-founder Sergey Brin before a contentious divorce. Her wealth could prove invaluable in getting RFK Jr’s name on ballots across the country – a costly logistical challenge that would stretch the campaign’s resources. While Rodgers brings name recognition, Shanahan’s financial help provides a more concrete path to mounting a legitimate third-party presidential bid.

However, funding prowess is not the only factor tilting the scales towards Nicole Shanahan over Rodgers as RFK Jr.’s VP pick. A campaign source revealed the second reason to be that, “they align on numerous issues,” suggesting Shanahan’s views are a closer ideological match to the independent candidate’s platform positions.

While the quarterback’s anti-vax advocacy aligns with Kennedy’s COVID stance, his inexperience and lack of substantive policy beliefs could be a liability. Shanahan’s legal background and Silicon Valley insider knowledge of issues like big tech oversight make her the more substantive governing partner, serving as the third reason to be a choice over Rodgers.

The fourth evident reason is that RFK Jr. himself has dropped hints that Rodgers is likely not his pick for VP after all. At a recent rally, he told supporters, “It’s not anyone people have been talking about”, which seems to rule out the NFL star. This suggests Kennedy prioritizes governing preparedness over pure name recognition when vetting potential running mates.

The campaign confirmed the imminent announcement, stating, “There has been a lot of speculation in the media. The official announcement will be on March 26 in Oakland. We hope to see you there.” Meanwhile, Rodgers has stayed mum amid the VP rumors, having been on an ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica when news first broke of his potential candidacy, according to commentator Pat McAfee, and being the last reason for people to exclude his name from the VP candidature.

Aaron Rodgers stays tight-lipped!

While the political world buzzed with rumors about A-Rod potentially being picked as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate, the NFL star himself remained characteristically tight-lipped. But Pat McAfee – whose ESPN show Rodgers regularly appears on during the NFL season, reports Rodgers was on an ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica when news first broke that he was a top VP contender for the presidential candidate.

Rodgers has been an outspoken supporter of Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stances, even suggesting they team up against the likes of Dr. Anthony Fauci in a “tag-team” debate match. However, when it comes to directly addressing the VP speculation, the outspoken quarterback has stayed mum, leaving many wondering if he’s truly interested in entering the political arena.

Read More: RFK Jr. Makes a Surprising Admission Amid Rumors of Aaron Rodgers in the Running for Vice President

His uncharacteristic silence seems to indicate a lack of legitimacy to the rumors in Rodgers’ mind. The New York Jets, who traded for the 40-year-old this offseason, have also been operating under the assumption that he will be their starting quarterback in 2023 despite the VP chatter.

The Jets have doubled down on building an offensive line capable of protecting Rodgers, recently signing standout tackle Tyron Smith to anchor the unit. While these VP rumors seem to be nothing more than a sideshow, the undying focus remains on getting the best out of Rodgers and making a playoff run next season.

Read More: From MVP to VP? Aaron Rodgers Tight-Lipped as Disbelieving Jets Bring Tyron Smith to Protect His Blind Side