Ben Roethlisberger’s take is subjective, but it’s far from outrageous. Comparing prime Rodgers to current Mahomes is apples to oranges in some ways — both are elite but different in style and context
Rodgers was the master of mechanical perfection, footwork, and quick release. Mahomes is the magician, improvising his way through collapsing pockets and defying physics. One is the surgeon, the other the artist.
At the end of the day, picking between Rodgers and Mahomes comes down to personal preference — do you prefer the calculated precision of Rodgers or the creative brilliance of Mahomes?
Regardless of where you land, one thing is clear: both quarterbacks have forever changed the game, and debates like these only elevate the richness of NFL history.
The Mahomes-Rodgers debate was already simmering, but Ben Roethlisberger’s comments—and LeSean McCoy’s fiery rebuttal—have added fuel to the fire. It’s a classic clash of eras, egos, and interpretations of greatness.
For McCoy, defending Mahomes is about more than numbers—it’s about preserving the integrity of how legends speak about one another. For Roethlisberger, it’s a personal take rooted in respect for Rodgers’ unique talents.
Also Read: Ben Roethlisberger’s Bold Take on Cooper Kupp’s Possible Steelers Future and Podcast
Table of Contents
Ben Roethlisberger’s Comments Stir Controversy
Ben Roethlisberger, one of the most storied quarterbacks in Pittsburgh Steelers history, recently made headlines with a bold opinion that has not gone unnoticed.
The retired quarterback revealed that if he had to choose between Patrick Mahomes and a prime Aaron Rodgers, he would go with Rodgers.
While many fans and analysts debated the merits of that statement, one notable voice pushed back hard: former NFL running back LeSean McCoy.
McCoy, who played a season alongside Mahomes in Kansas City, didn’t take kindly to Roethlisberger’s remarks.
During a podcast appearance, McCoy criticized Big Ben’s credibility in making such statements, going as far as to question his overall legacy and place in NFL history.
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“You Were Never the Best”: LeSean McCoy Fires Back
McCoy’s response was blunt and pointed. He argued that Roethlisberger didn’t have the clout to speak critically about other all-time great quarterbacks.
“This is just me, I don’t respect players that talk about greats a certain way, and you have nowhere near the type of success they had,” McCoy said. “You played for 18 years, and you were never considered the best quarterback—or even the second-best quarterback—in football.”
McCoy’s criticism goes beyond just Roethlisberger’s comments; it touches on the perception of Big Ben’s career and whether he was ever truly elite in a league dominated by names like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and now Patrick Mahomes.
The Mahomes vs Rodgers Debate: More Than Just Stats
Roethlisberger’s preference for Rodgers over Mahomes is certainly not baseless. Rodgers, a four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion, is widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in NFL history.
His arm strength, accuracy, and improvisational ability have drawn praise for over a decade.
However, Patrick Mahomes’ early career has been nothing short of revolutionary. In just six seasons as a starter, Mahomes has already made four Super Bowl appearances, winning three, and has secured two Super Bowl MVPs and two regular-season MVPs.
His ability to perform in clutch moments and elevate his team during postseason runs has already placed him in the “all-time great” conversation.
Roethlisberger’s choice seems rooted more in stylistic preference or nostalgia, but given Mahomes’ historical pace, many—including McCoy—believe such a pick undervalues what Mahomes has already accomplished.
Ben Roethlisberger: The Legacy Explained
Great, but Not the Greatest?
Roethlisberger’s career includes two Super Bowl titles, six Pro Bowl selections, and over 64,000 passing yards.
He’s widely seen as a future Hall of Famer and one of the best quarterbacks in Steelers franchise history.
But was he ever the best in the NFL during his tenure?
That’s where McCoy’s critique lands some weight. During Roethlisberger’s peak years, he was often overshadowed by Brady, Manning, and Brees.
Even in individual seasons where he posted impressive stats, he was rarely the top pick in MVP discussions or considered the most feared signal-caller by opposing defenses.
This doesn’t necessarily diminish his accomplishments, but it does provide context to McCoy’s frustration about Roethlisberger commenting on someone like Mahomes, whose impact on the game has arguably surpassed Big Ben’s in a much shorter timeframe.
LeSean McCoy’s Perspective: Personal Ties to Mahomes
It’s also important to note McCoy’s own NFL journey. He spent the 2019 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, playing under Andy Reid and sharing a locker room with Mahomes.
While his role was limited—he played in nine regular-season games and appeared in just one playoff game—McCoy still witnessed Mahomes’ leadership, preparation, and brilliance up close.
Having experienced that environment firsthand, it’s no surprise that McCoy feels protective of Mahomes’ legacy and resents any attempt to downplay it, especially from someone he feels didn’t match that same level of greatness in his own career.
NFL Fans Chime In: A Polarizing Take
Unsurprisingly, Roethlisberger’s comments—and McCoy’s sharp rebuttal—have sparked a wave of discussion across social media and sports talk shows.
Some fans sided with Roethlisberger, agreeing that Rodgers, at his peak, was unmatched in terms of talent and mechanics.
Others echoed McCoy’s stance, emphasizing Mahomes’ unparalleled start and the critical role he’s played in the Chiefs’ sustained dominance.
This debate reflects a larger generational divide. Older fans may gravitate toward Rodgers and Roethlisberger due to longevity and body of work, while younger fans are already hailing Mahomes as the new standard of quarterback excellence.
Ben Roethlisberger: Respect Among Legends
An Unwritten Rule?
McCoy’s strongest objection might not be with the Mahomes vs. Rodgers debate itself, but with the principle behind it. His comments point to an unspoken code among former players—especially those of elite status.
That code implies that former greats should uplift current stars rather than compare or diminish them. When a player like Roethlisberger, whose own greatness was often debated, takes a position that seems dismissive of Mahomes’ meteoric rise, it can be interpreted as bitterness or insecurity.
McCoy alluded to this when he said, “I don’t respect players that talk about greats a certain way.” He seems to be advocating for a culture where legends respect the evolution of the game and the emergence of new icons.
Rodgers vs. Mahomes vs. Roethlisberger
Let’s break down some career comparisons:
Aaron Rodgers
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4× NFL MVP
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1× Super Bowl Champion
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10× Pro Bowl
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59,055 yards, 475 touchdowns
Patrick Mahomes (as of 2024)
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2× NFL MVP
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3× Super Bowl Champion
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6× Pro Bowl
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28,424 yards, 219 touchdowns (in 6 seasons)
Ben Roethlisberger
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2× Super Bowl Champion
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6× Pro Bowl
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64,088 yards, 418 touchdowns
Statistically, Roethlisberger holds his own in terms of volume, but Mahomes is on track to surpass him in nearly every metric—despite having a decade less experience.
Rodgers, meanwhile, has combined elite efficiency with impressive hardware. In comparison, Roethlisberger has the accolades, but perhaps not the “dominance” label McCoy argues is essential.
Can This Be Chalked Up to Personal Opinion?
Roethlisberger is entitled to his opinion. Many would agree that Rodgers, at his best, was a magician on the field—possibly the most gifted quarterback the game has seen.
Roethlisberger likely views Rodgers as the kind of quarterback who mirrored the improvisational style he tried to emulate.
But when public figures make statements comparing legacies—especially ones that could diminish a current star—there will always be backlash.
The NFL is a fraternity, and former players often bear the responsibility of shaping narratives around its modern stars.
Also Read: John Roethlisberger and Ben Roethlisberger: Are They Related? Family, Career, Live Show
Why Ben Roethlisberger Might Prefer Rodgers?
Roethlisberger’s preference could stem from a combination of personal experience and style appreciation.
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Firsthand Experience: He lost to Rodgers in the Super Bowl. That kind of defeat can leave a lasting impression, especially when the opposing QB was nearly flawless.
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Quarterback Identity: Both Roethlisberger and Rodgers come from an older era of QB play where pocket presence, precision, and football IQ were the top metrics. Mahomes plays with a more improvisational style.
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Generational Bias: Like many former players, Roethlisberger may have a subconscious bias toward those he played with or against — Rodgers included.
Are We Really Seeing Mahomes Decline?
Roethlisberger’s claim that Mahomes is “just entering out of his prime” is bold — and debatable.
Mahomes’ stats may have slightly dipped in the 2023 regular season, but his playoff run told a different story.
He elevated his game in the postseason, beating Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and the 49ers to claim his third title. If this is Mahomes declining, most franchises would happily take that version of him.
In fact, Mahomes’ ability to win even when his team isn’t perfect — such as when his receivers struggled or the offensive line faltered — underscores his greatness.
Ben Roethlisberger: Live Podcast
On Ben Roethlisberger’s instagram account, he often shared his podcast’s mini clip to engage his followers.
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Rodgers vs. Mahomes: By the Numbers
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of some key stats from each quarterback’s prime years:
| Category | Aaron Rodgers (2009–2016) | Patrick Mahomes (2018–2024) |
|---|---|---|
| MVPs | 2 | 2 |
| Super Bowl Wins | 1 | 3 |
| Playoff Record | 9–7 | 15–3 |
| Career Passer Rating | 103.6 | 105.7 |
| TD/INT Ratio | 296/71 | 245/65 (as of 2024) |
While Rodgers boasts a more impressive TD-to-INT ratio in his early years, Mahomes has been more successful in the postseason — a critical differentiator.
Ben Roethlisberger: Fan Reactions
A Divided Audience
NFL fans are always vocal on social media, and Roethlisberger’s remarks divided opinion quickly.
Pro-Rodgers camp:
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“Prime Rodgers was untouchable. He made throws no one else even attempted.”
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“The guy had no turnovers and still carried bad Packers teams to the playoffs.”
Pro-Mahomes camp:
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“Mahomes already has more rings than Rodgers and he’s still under 30.”
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“If this is Mahomes declining, he’s still better than 99% of QBs.”
Some also accused Roethlisberger of being salty or trying to diminish Mahomes’ greatness to uplift a fellow peer from his generation.
Could Mahomes Eclipse Rodgers as the GOAT?
In terms of legacy, Mahomes is on a trajectory that could surpass Rodgers — and maybe even challenge Tom Brady.
He has the hardware, the leadership, and the individual accolades. And crucially, he’s done it in an era with stiffer playoff competition and evolving defensive schemes.
Rodgers, meanwhile, will go down as one of the most talented QBs ever — but perhaps not the most accomplished.
Despite his statistical brilliance, Rodgers made just one Super Bowl in over a decade with the Packers.
In a recent episode of his Footbahlin Podcast, former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made headlines with a controversial statement.
When asked to choose between a prime Aaron Rodgers or current-day Patrick Mahomes, the two-time Super Bowl champion didn’t hesitate to favor the former Green Bay Packers legend.
Roethlisberger’s opinion immediately sparked conversations across the NFL landscape. In a league that’s always debating legacies, comparing generational talents like Rodgers and Mahomes is bound to cause waves.
Here’s a detailed look into Roethlisberger’s comments, why they matter, and how both Rodgers and Mahomes stack up in the broader GOAT conversation.
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