Ben Roethlisberger recently stirred debate in the NFL community by declaring Aaron Rodgers in his prime superior to Patrick Mahomes. This sparked a sharp reaction from former NFL running back LeSean McCoy, who defended Mahomes and criticized Roethlisberger’s evaluation. The Patrick Mahomes Aaron Rodgers debate intensified during this exchange, highlighting contrasting views on quarterback greatness. Rodgers, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, continues to draw attention amid speculation about his career’s twilight.
LeSean McCoy Challenges Roethlisberger’s Comparison of Rodgers and Mahomes
LeSean McCoy, who shared a locker room with Patrick Mahomes, did not hold back in responding to Roethlisberger’s remarks on FS1’s The Facility. McCoy questioned Roethlisberger’s authority to judge other players, especially without certain accolades in his own career. The former running back argued that Roethlisberger’s lack of All-Pro selections undermined his credibility in ranking all-time great quarterbacks.
Big Ben hates. One thing about Big Ben: you play 18 years, you have no All-Pros, not one, not one first team, not one second team. This is just me; I don’t respect players that talk about greats a certain way and you have nowhere the type of success they had. You played for 18 years, and you never was considered the best quarterback or the second-best quarterback in football.
—LeSean McCoy
McCoy’s pointed critique emphasized that despite Roethlisberger’s lengthy career, he was never recognized as the best or even second-best quarterback at any point, implying that his commentary on other elite players lacks weight. This comment comes after Roethlisberger’s recent public preference for Rodgers over Mahomes in their prime years.
Roethlisberger Defends His Viewpoint on Rodgers and Mahomes
Despite McCoy’s criticism, Roethlisberger’s stance reflects a close examination of the two quarterbacks’ career trajectories. On his podcast, Roethlisberger expressed that he would choose prime Aaron Rodgers over the current Patrick Mahomes because of Rodgers’ historical performance and skill level, asserting that Mahomes is still entering his prime and may ultimately join the GOAT conversation.
I would take Aaron [Rodgers] in his prime over Patrick [right] now. Aaron Rodgers, in his prime, was one of the top few to ever do it… Patrick Mahomes is just entering his prime, I think. He’ll go down as another arguable GOAT [Greatest of All Time].
—Ben Roethlisberger
This perspective acknowledges both quarterbacks’ elite status but favors Rodgers’ established dominance at his peak, while noting Mahomes’ potential to reach similar heights as his prime unfolds. Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers and fifth in career passing yards with 64,088, retains respect for quarterback excellence despite McCoy’s criticisms.
Aaron Rodgers’ New Chapter with the Steelers and Retirement Speculation
Aaron Rodgers recently signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, ending months of uncertainty over his NFL future. Initially seeking a two-year deal, Rodgers settled on a single season, fueling rumors about retirement after 2025. The 41-year-old quarterback indicated that this agreement focuses on finishing his career on a positive note.
I’m pretty sure this is it [for me]. That’s why I just did a one-year deal. The Steelers didn’t need to put any extra years on that [or anything]. This was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I have had. I’ve played 20 frickin’ years. It’s been a long run, and I’ve enjoyed it.
—Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers will lead the AFC North franchise, aiming to build chemistry with star wide receiver DK Metcalf. His presence adds veteran leadership and talent to a Steelers team eager to compete in a tough division.
Roethlisberger Foresees Rodgers’ Final Season as Must-Watch Football
Roethlisberger predicted that Rodgers’ concluding NFL season would draw significant attention from fans nationwide. He highlighted the unique opportunity to witness one of the greatest quarterbacks in history play what might be his last year, emphasizing the excitement surrounding Rodgers’ performances.
You’re going to get to see one of the greatest of all time play one more season. Every week is going to be must-see TV. Fans of football—whether at home or on the road—will be coming out because you want to get a glimpse of greatness one last time.
—Ben Roethlisberger
Rodgers’ 2024 schedule is already noteworthy, featuring a season opener against his previous team, the New York Jets, where he completed 63% of his passes last year despite a 5–12 record. Later in the season, he will face the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium, adding a narrative-rich matchup for fans and analysts alike.
Contextualizing the Debate and What Lies Ahead
The ongoing Patrick Mahomes Aaron Rodgers debate underscores the complexity of comparing quarterbacks across different eras and career stages. Roethlisberger’s opinion that Rodgers’ prime outshines Mahomes’ current state invites scrutiny, especially from voices like LeSean McCoy who highlight the attributes and achievements that define greatness. Rodgers’ decision to continue playing, albeit possibly for just one more year, adds layers of anticipation to the unfolding story.
For the Steelers, Rodgers’ arrival represents a major shift with implications for team dynamics and the AFC North competition. Meanwhile, Mahomes’ prime is rapidly progressing, with expectations that he will challenge established legends and perhaps redefine success in the NFL. As this debate continues, the legacies of these quarterbacks will be closely examined through their performances, leadership, and impact both on and off the field.