Ben Roethlisberger is showing strong support for Aaron Rodgers, who aims to fill in his shoes as the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ starting quarterback. Recently, Big Ben went as far as saying that he prefers the 4x NFL MVP in his prime over Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes today.
“I would take Aaron in his prime over Patrick now,” Roethlisberger said last week on his Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast, via CBS Sports. “I think Aaron Rodgers, in his prime, was one of the top few to ever do it. So is Patrick Mahomes in his prime. Patrick Mahomes is just entering out of his prime. I think Patrick Mahomes is going to go down as another arguable GOAT.”
Everyone is entitled to have their own opinion when it comes to ranking quarterbacks and Roethlisberger may have reasons to prefer Rodgers. At the end of the day, we’re still talking about one of the greatest players in NFL history.
Therefore, even if it’s debatable, one can understand Big Ben’s preference for Rodgers over Mahomes. Still, it appears that his comments didn’t sit well with someone close to the Chiefs star—but not because of his favoritism for the current Steelers QB.
Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs talks with injured Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets prior to the game at MetLife Stadium on October 01, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Mahomes’ trainer reportedly upset with Roethlisberger’s take
Instead, what reportedly made noise about Roethlisberger’s take was him suggesting Mahomes is getting past the prime in his career. According to Pete Grathoff of The Kansas City Star, that comment upset Mahomes’ trainer:
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“Mahomes’ trainer Bobby Stroupe apparently caught wind of Roethlisberger’s comment and didn’t seem upset by Rodgers being ranked over Mahomes. But Roethlisberger saying Mahomes, who is 29 years old, is starting to enter out of his prime did get Stroupe’s goat. Zing!”
Rodgers and Mahomes ready to compete in 2025
Two quarterbacks who boast multiple Super Bowl rings and MVP awards, Rodgers and Mahomes are still among the best active quarterbacks in the NFL and when it’s all said and done, they will have their place in the Hall of Fame.
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While Rodgers currently boasts two more MVPs than Mahomes, the Chiefs star already has two more rings than A-Rod in less time in the NFL. 2025 could be a perfect chance for Rodgers to win another championship before retiring, but Mahomes will be seeking redemption after a heartbreaking loss in February.
