In a bold and unexpected moment during the latest episode of his podcast “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger,” legendary Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took a surprising shot at Aaron Rodgers, sparking heated debate among fans and analysts. Known for his unfiltered opinions and deep understanding of the game, Big Ben didn’t hold back when discussing the current quarterback landscape and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ future.
During the episode, Roethlisberger was asked about the current state of quarterback play in the AFC and how the Steelers stack up as they enter the 2025 season. The conversation quickly turned to Aaron Rodgers, who is expected to return for the New York Jets after suffering a season-ending injury early in 2023.
That’s when Roethlisberger dropped a line that instantly made headlines:
“Aaron’s better than the other two. I don’t care what anyone says—he’s still got it. And trust me, Mike Tomlin knows it too.”
While Big Ben didn’t explicitly name “the other two,” fans quickly speculated he was referring to Russell Wilson and Spencer Rattler, the two quarterbacks currently on the Steelers roster. Some interpreted the comment as Roethlisberger throwing shade at the Steelers’ current QB situation, while others viewed it as high praise for Rodgers’ legendary skill set.
Roethlisberger, who spent 18 seasons as the Steelers’ franchise quarterback and won two Super Bowls under Mike Tomlin, has remained close to the organization and isn’t afraid to speak candidly. His comments, though off-the-cuff, seem to reflect a broader concern among former players and fans about whether Pittsburgh has a true elite quarterback to compete in a loaded AFC.
Roethlisberger continued, saying:
“You watch Aaron Rodgers play, and you’re watching a surgeon. Yeah, he’s older, but he’s smarter, quicker, and still makes throws guys ten years younger can’t even see. I respect what the Steelers are doing, but Aaron’s different. Always has been.”
Steelers fans reacted with mixed emotions. Some praised Ben’s honesty, acknowledging that Rodgers is a future Hall of Famer. Others questioned whether his comments were undermining the current team, especially given the buzz surrounding Wilson’s offseason performance and Rattler’s surprising growth.
Head coach Mike Tomlin, when asked about Roethlisberger’s comments, responded diplomatically:
“Ben earned the right to speak his mind. But I’m focused on the guys in this locker room. We like our quarterback room, and we’re building something special here.”
Regardless of interpretation, Ben Roethlisberger’s remarks have once again placed the Steelers’ quarterback situation under the national microscope. And with the season drawing closer, the debate over whether Wilson or Rattler can lead Pittsburgh back to the playoffs will only intensify.
One thing is clear—whenever Big Ben talks football, the NFL listens. And when he brings up Aaron Rodgers and Mike Tomlin in the same sentence, you can bet it’ll be talked about all week long.
