Steelers Great Ben Roethlisberger Could Have 2027 Hall Of Fame Candidacy Hampered By 2004 Draft Classmate

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been blessed with quality quarterback play throughout the history of the organization. The team built a dynasty with Terry Bradshaw leading the way on offense during the 1970s, and Ben Roethlisberger came into the picture when he was drafted in 2004. There was quite the gap between the two players as the franchise searched for a quality long-term quarterback solution, but Roethlisberger was finally able to lead the team back to the Promised Land as he won Super Bowl XL in his second season with the team, and Super Bowl XLIII not too long after.

Roethlisberger was the quarterback in Pittsburgh for 18 seasons, and he officially retired after the 2021 season. He won two Super Bowls during his career, and is certainly a lock for the Hall Of Fame. He first becomes eligible to be inducted into the Hall Of Fame in 2027, but he might not be the only quarterback from the 2004 draft class getting the nod that year. 

Phillip Rivers becomes eligible for the Hall Of Fame in 2026, as he retired one season before Roethlisberger, and a player needs to be retired for five seasons before becoming eligible. However, Rivers getting in during his first year of eligibility is extremely unlikely due to the fact that Drew Brees becomes eligible in the same year. Eli Manning is also still waiting to be inducted, as he didn't make the cut in his first year of eligibility in 2025.

Brees is going to be inducted in his first year, as he is considered one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the league. He also was able to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, which is something Rivers never got to do. If any other quarterback gets into Canton in 2026, it is going to be Manning, which means Rivers would then be pushed to 2027, which is Roethlisberger's first year of eligibility.

There is nothing wrong with two quarterbacks being inducted in the same year, however it could hamper the celebration of Roethlisberger's career. He was already overlooked in nearly every regard throughout his career due to him playing the position at the same time as Brees, Tom Brady, Brett Favre, the Mannings, Rivers, and Aaron Rodgers. It would not be ideal if another quarterback is being celebrated on the same night as Roethlisberger's induction, although it could be inevitable. 

Steelers Fans Could Have To Wait Until 2028 To See Roethlisberger In Canton

To every member of the Pittsburgh fan base, Roethlisberger is a first-ballot Hall Of Famer. However, there have been some that have questioned his Hall Of Fame candidacy. In addition to the questions surrounding his resume, he might be put in a bad situation, especially if neither Manning or Rivers makes it into Canton in 2026. Those two quarterbacks could push Roethlisberger's induction to 2028, although that seems very unlikely.

Roethlisberger led Pittsburgh to three Super Bowl appearances while winning the big game twice. He was also a six-time Pro-Bowler, and he won the Offensive Rookie Of The Year Award in 2004, the same year both Manning and Rivers were rookies. It is considered one of the best quarterbacks classes of all time, and this conundrum exemplifies that.

The former Steelers quarterback finds his name near the top of every passing metric in the history of the NFL, and it felt like Pittsburgh was always in contention for a Super Bowl with him under center. He should be inducted in 2027, but there is a world where he is not.

How do you think this situation will play out over the next two years? Let us know in the comments below!

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