Aaron Rodgers believes NFL players should speak out on social issues more often, but says the league's culture discourages doing so.

Rodgers told ESPN Wisconsin's "Wilde & Tausch" last week that he read a story in which Michael Bennett of the Seattle Seahawks said players need to speak out more often.

The Green Bay Packers quarterback was in the crowd at the ESPYS last month and praised NBA stars LeBron James, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade for opening the evening by calling on athletes to promote social change.

"It's got to be natural, it's got to be authentic, and I think those guys did a really good job. It was a great message," Rodgers said. "The thing I'll say in reference to speaking your mind, [I read] a piece on the Bennetts recently -- Michael and Martellus. And I turned to a friend and I said, 'Why do we have to say that it's refreshing when someone speaks their mind? Or is honest now?' I think that's kind of a societal issue that we have.

"We need more guys like that who feel comfortable speaking their mind."

Rodgers acknowledged that he has not been particularly outspoken.

"Those guys are doing it and they feel comfortable doing it," Rodgers said. "I think if more guys maybe did in our league, it would create a domino effect possibly."