Danica Patrick says she’s dating Packers’ Aaron Rodgers

The Associated Press

7 years ago

In this July 30, 2015, file photo, Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers (left) smiles during NFL football training camp in Green Bay, Wis.; and in this July 14, 2017, file photo, NASCAR driver Danica Patrick prepares prior to qualifying for a NASCAR Cup auto race at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, left, file and Charles Krupa, right, file)

Danica Patrick talks to a fan as she autographs her new book during a book signing in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. The transition from race car driver to businesswoman was swift, and Patrick is now adjusting to a new celebrity life that doesn’t include driving cars. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles with the ball against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL game in Charlotte, N.C. on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (Chris Keane/AP Images for Panini)

In this Feb. 22, 2015, file photo, driver Danica Patrick greets fans as she is introduced before the start of the Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Patrick announced plans Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, to run just 2 races in 2018, the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500, and end her full-time driving career. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

In this Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, file photo, Danica Patrick walks away from her car as it catches fire after hitting the wall along turn two during the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla. Patrick will race only 2 more times next season and end her career at the Indianapolis 500. It will end nearly 2 decades of racing for one of the most recognizable athletes in the world and send Patrick to a new phase of her life. (AP Photo/Gaston De Cardenas, File)

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL game in Charlotte, N.C. on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (Chris Keane/AP Images for Panini)

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) gives a thumbs up to a teammate against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL game in Charlotte, N.C. on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (Chris Keane/AP Images for Panini)

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks to pass as he scrambles out of the pocket against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL game in Charlotte, N.C. on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. (Chris Keane/AP Images for Panini)

In this May 23, 2015, file photo, NASCAR driver Danica Patrick waits by her car before auto racing practice at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. Patrick, a noted Chicago Bears fan, confirmed Monday. Jan. 15, 2018, she is dating Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. (AP Photo/Chris Keane, File)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Danica Patrick’s heart is racing for Aaron Rodgers.

Patrick, a Chicago Bears fan, confirmed Monday she is dating the Green Bay Packers quarterback.

“Yes, Aaron and I are dating,” Patrick told The Associated Press.

Rodgers split from actress Olivia Munn in 2017 after three years of dating. Patrick in late November ended a five-year relationship with fellow NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Patrick and Rodgers have been linked romantically since the start of the new year, right before Patrick began promoting her new fitness book.

She told the AP the two first met at the 2012 ESPY Awards and that despite her allegiance to the Bears, “I told him a long time ago I’d always root for him as a player.

“Now I am probably going to cheer for the whole team,” she added. “Take out the word ‘probably.’ Now I’m going to cheer for the whole team.”

Patrick is shifting her career off the race track and into the business of her personal brand. She’d like to close her racing career by competing at next month’s Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500, a farewell she’s dubbed “The Danica Double.”