Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Makes Direct Statement About Aaron Rodgers' Interceptions

The Pittsburgh Steelers have several new faces in training camp as their roster for the 2025 season went through some major changes. One of the biggest additions is veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is adjusting to a new team and offensive system. During the early days of camp, Rodgers threw a couple of interceptions, which, while not uncommon in a practice setting, quickly caught the attention of the media.

One of those interceptions came on his very first pass in team periods, picked off by linebacker Patrick Queen. Naturally, reporters brought it up when speaking with Rodgers, who didn’t seem too concerned. While these practice mistakes aren’t necessarily alarming, any early signs of struggle from a high-profile quarterback tend to get magnified, especially in Pittsburgh’s intense football environment.

Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger addressed the topic on his podcast Footbahlin on Tuesday. He defended Rodgers and urged fans not to overreact. Roethlisberger explained that Rodgers is still learning the system, getting familiar with his new teammates, and that these early hiccups are part of the process. He made it clear that Steelers fans shouldn’t be worried and believes Rodgers will be just fine.

"I think it's a bigger deal because he typically doesn't turn the ball over," Roethlisberger said. "He is notorious for not throwing interceptions. So when all of a sudden he throws one the first day and throws another one—woah, he's thrown two interceptions in four days, what's going on? Listen, we talked about this. He's in the system, he's learning the players, he's learning the defensive guys. This is a non-story, a non-issue right now. Aaron is gonna be just fine."

Rodgers was asked about the interceptions after practice. He laughed it off and leaned into the moment, saying those things will happen but that he’ll also be throwing plenty of touchdowns. His relaxed and confident response was a refreshing change for a fanbase that has grown tired of watching an overly conservative Steelers offense in recent years.

While no one wants to see turnovers, Steelers fans are eager for a more dynamic and aggressive approach. Rodgers’ mindset shows a willingness to take calculated risks, which is something the offense has lacked. His presence brings hope that the Steelers can finally open things up and stretch the field.

"I am not as concerned with Aaron and the two interceptions that he has thrown," Roethlisberger said. "I think the second one went to [Jalen] Ramsey. I think that's a big deal that your new guy is already making plays, but again, that's probably not a big deal either because it's what you expect from him. I played against him. He is a really, really good football player. You have to be aware of where he is on the football field."

For a team that has struggled to consistently produce big plays, Rodgers’ attitude is exactly what the offense needs. It's not about being careless with the football, but about trusting your playmakers and keeping defenses on edge. Steelers fans are ready for that shift.

Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Off To Hot Start At Training Camp

Roethlisberger, while discussing Rodgers' early interceptions, pointed out how excited he was to see new cornerback Jalen Ramsey come away with one. He said it was the kind of play that shows exactly why Pittsburgh made the move to trade for him. Roethlisberger knows firsthand how dominant Ramsey was in his prime, having faced him during his playing career.

Many pundits questioned whether Ramsey could still play at that elite level as he joins the Steelers later in his career. It’s still early in the offseason, and the team has yet to fully suit up in pads, but Ramsey has already started to turn heads at training camp. His interception against Rodgers was a sign that he may be ready to have a great 2025 season.

So far, Ramsey has brought intensity, leadership, and playmaking to a secondary that needed a spark. If he can stay healthy and continue to build on his strong start, the Steelers defense could quickly become one of the most feared units in the league once again.

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