The Pittsburgh Steelers are sincerely struggling to figure out what to do at the quarterback position. This difficult timeframe all began when Ben Roethlisberger decided to walk away from the game of football and retire. After 18 seasons, two Super Bowl rings and six Pro Bowl selections, the legend hung up his cleats. Trying to find a consistent signal-caller has been nothing but problematic for the organization since the 2022 offseason began, and entering the 2025 offseason, there are still several more questions than answers. It makes the fan base truly appreciate the greatness of Roethlisberger.
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Retired Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger attempts to escape a Cincinnati Bengals defender during a regular season home game at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.
There isn't a doubt in anyone's mind that Roethlisberger belongs in the exclusive club that is the Hall of Fame. After the 2025 inductees were announced at the NFL Honors Ceremony, some were surprised that Roethlisberger's draft mate Eli Manning did not receive the good news. Manning will get in one day, as will the Steelers legend, but it brings up the controversy of any player potentially being inducted on his first try.
Recently, New Orleans Saints defender and retired All-Pro defensive lineman Gerald McCoy brought up Roethlisberger on the Off The Edge podcast. Jordan began by saying that Roethlisberger simply isn't a first ballot inductee.
"I've had this conversation," Jordan said. "I was like 'Of that era, is he technically a first-ballot Hall of Famer? No.'"
It's fine to have an opinion on the matter, but it's McCoy's analysis that made pretty much no sense. He argued that for someone to be viewed as a first-time inductee, that individual needed to leave no doubt while he was playing that he would be wearing a gold jacket during his first year of eligibility in the future.
"He'll get in, but not on first ballot. We're talking about first ballot," McCoy said. "To be first ballot, you have to still be playing, and we know, like, we know, he's a Hall of Famer, he's just still playing football. Like Aaron Rodgers. Drew Brees, before he even broke the record. To be first ballot, you've got to be one of those guys. Like Aaron Donald when he was playing. When JJ Watt was playing, he didn't even have to finish. Tom [Brady]."
McCoy threw out some very big names when it comes to the 21st century's best NFL players. Roethlisberger might not have an MVP, but has more Super Bowls than Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers, while also holding the record for most rookie regular-season wins of all time. He played with arguably the most historic franchise in the league's history for 18 years, and currently ranks fifth in all-time passing yards while also being fifth in all-time wins (including playoffs).
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Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin and then-quarterback Ben Roethlisberger celebrate after winning the AFC Championship Game to move onto the Super Bowl.
All of Roethlisberger's credentials should lead to him being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first try. Just because his last name isn't Brees or Brady doesn't mean that he isn't worthy of the induction immediately. Roethlisberger played in an era that was arguably one of the best the league has ever seen in regards to quarterback play. Roethlisberger also had the best statistics and winning career among a talented 2004 draft class that included him, Manning and Phillip Rivers.
The Steelers were extremely lucky to have someone like Roethlisberger under center for nearly two decades. It's interesting to see a current NFC player and a former one (for the majority of his career) criticize the retired quarterback's first ballot candidacy. Time will tell, as the legendary signal-caller will be eligible for the 2027 class.
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Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (#7) escapes the pass rush and prepares to make a throw as Pittsburgh takes on the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl XL in Detroit, MI.
Steelers Fans Were Absolutely Spoiled For Better Part Of 18 Years
It's not a hard argument to make that the fan base in Pittsburgh is a little spoiled. Nearly the entire 21st century to this point, the organization has had very little to no questions at the quarterback position.
That came to an end after the 2021 campaign and there are still no answers as to how to solve the need for a franchise-caliber guy. Roethlisberger will forever be endeared by the black and gold faithful, and it's absolutely deserving of being inducted to the Hall of Fame during his first year of eligibility.
Do you think that Jordan and McCoy are wrong with their comments directed towards Roethlisberger? Let us know in the comments below!
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