'COVID optics:' Confused NFL fans react to Erin Andrews conducting socially distanced interview with Aaron Rodgers then hugging him afterward

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers broke the illustrious franchise's record for touchdown passes on Christmas Day. However, many NFL fans were talking about the socially distanced interview with the star QB following the game.

Rodgers threw for 202 yards to lead the Packers in a tight 24-22 win over the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field on Saturday night. Rodgers also tossed three touchdowns — giving him a total of 445 career TDs — breaking Brett Favre's franchise record for touchdowns.

Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews interviewed Rodgers after the game. The post-game interview with Rodgers and the NFL sideline reporter was socially distanced by at least six feet. However, moments after the interview, perhaps when the reporter thought that the cameras weren't rolling, Rodgers and Andrews embraced in a hug.

NFL fans reacted with confusion over the hug that took place a mere seconds after the socially distanced interview.

Libertarian commentator Eric July: "We just watched Erin Andrews give a socially distanced interview… then after it, hugged Aaron Rodgers after the interview was done. Hahahahahahahahahahhaa."

Sports talk show host Donnie Seymour: "Erin Andrews and Aaron Rodgers have to do an interview separated by 10 ft because of Covid Optics. After the interview is over they high five and hug. Hahahhaha."

Radio talk show host Colin Dunlap: "Erin Andrews stood like 10 feet from Aaron Rodgers on camera. Interview ends. Erin Andrews hugs Aaron Rodgers. All on national TV. And we wonder why the country is confused as hell."

Sportswriter Bill Burt: "LOL Fox Sports sideline reporter Erin Andrews does the fake 6-feet thing in interviewing Aaron Rodgers then hugs him afterward. As long as we’re all on the same page of fakeness, I’m good."

Sports editor Alex Reimer: "Erin Andrews hugging Aaron Rodgers at the end of a socially distanced interview is the TV equivalent of wearing your mask on the way to the table and then taking it off for the rest of the meal."

Former sports anchor Justin Beasley: "Erin Andrews stands 10-feet away then hugs Aaron Rodgers. It’s all a show people."

Radio host Scot Bertram: "Thank goodness Aaron Rodgers and Erin Andrews kept six feet apart during the interview to stay safe ... before exchanging a hug together afterward."

Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 last month, but was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list just 10 days later — the earliest he was eligible to return. The three-time MVP QB was harangued by the media, sports talking heads, and some fans for not being vaccinated against coronavirus. Rodgers never specifically said he was vaccinated against COVID-19, but previously described himself as "immunized." Rodgers said he has an allergy to an ingredient in the mRNA vaccines.

Rodgers was also maligned for seeking treatments from doctors as well as Joe Rogan, who was also unvaccinated when he caught COVID-19 but recovered after three days. Rodgers said he took therapeutics such as zinc, vitamins C and D, and monoclonal antibodies.

Earlier this week, Rodgers blasted the NFL's COVID-19 protocols.

"The one frustration I have is that throughout all of this there hasn't been any conversation about health," Rodgers said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "I don't understand why society and the NFL hasn't talked about legitimate COVID treatment options."

"I just wish there was more conversation about health and around treatment options moving forward and I hope there will be," Rodgers said on Tuesday.