Ben Roethlisberger, no stranger to controversy, made waves last week for comments made on his Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast.
When asked by a fan who he’d prefer under center, Aaron Rodgers or the current version of Patrick Mahomes, Roethlisberger did not hesitate… And his answer rubbed some the wrong way.
“Well, I would take Aaron in his prime over Patrick now,” Roethlisberger said. “I think Aaron Rodgers in his prime was one of the top few to ever do it — and so is Patrick Mahomes at his prime. Patrick Mahomes is just entering out of his prime, I think.”
“Entering out of his prime” is an odd way to phrase it, but what Roethlisberger insinuated is clear. He later clarified, saying Mahomes will go down as one of the GOATs, but prime Rodgers was second-to-none.
“Yes, I think Patrick Mahomes is phenomenal. He’s going to go down as, you know, another arguable goat. You know what I mean? There’s only like one goat, but there’s goats — the whole herd of goats, I think Aaron in his prime, then we’re talking about Patrick right now,” he said. “If we’re talking prime and prime, then I’m going to have to think really hard on that.”
Despite the softer tone, Mahomes’ trainer took exception to Roethlisberger’s comments and let that be known.
Shots fired!
It’s admirable that Mahomes’ trainer came so rapidly and ferociously to his defense, but in reality, nothing Roethlisberger said was out of pocket. It almost feels like low-hanging fruit to criticize Big Ben’s effort and play after turning 30 when he acknowledged Mahomes was among the all-time greats.
And it doesn’t matter anyway. They’re both wrong. Many hate to admit it, but Tom Brady is the true GOAT, and it’s going to be a long while before he’s unseated.
