Steelers Should Worry Ben Roethlisberger May Get Screwed By Hall Of Fame Voters' Politics

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation has been a relative mess ever since the day Ben Roethlisberger had to retire. Pittsburgh struck gold when they drafted Roethlisberger in the first round, 11th overall, of the 2004 NFL Draft, landing a franchise cornerstone almost instantly. The 6-foot-5 quarterback played for the Steelers from 2004 through 2021 and became one of the defining faces of the organization, helping restore stability and championship expectations at the most important position in sports.

Over an 18-year career in Pittsburgh, Roethlisberger built a résumé that few quarterbacks in NFL history can match. He won two Super Bowls, was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2004, earned six Pro Bowl selections, and led the league in passing yards twice, in 2014 and 2018. 

He also etched his name into the record books, owning NFL records such as four career 500-yard passing games, 47 completions in a single game, 13 wins in a season by a rookie quarterback (tied), and four games with a perfect passer rating (tied). Statistically, Roethlisberger finished his career with 8,443 passing attempts, 5,440 completions, a 64.4 percent completion rate, 418 touchdowns to 211 interceptions, 64,088 passing yards, and a 93.5 passer rating.

Because of that body of work, many Steelers fans and football fans in general have long believed Roethlisberger will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he becomes eligible in 2027. However, some are beginning to question whether Hall of Fame politics and the voting process could complicate his path. 

With crowded ballots, shifting narratives, and voters weighing legacy alongside off-field discussions, there is growing concern that Roethlisberger could get screwed over and be forced to wait longer than expected for his place in Canton. 

These concerns regarding Roethlisberger come after the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class caused a lot of controversy and backlash from football fans, including New England Patriots fans. 

Six-time Super Bowl–winning head coach Bill Belichick, in his first year of eligibility, was not voted in as a first-ballot Hall of Famer, a shocking omission given that he is widely viewed as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. Patriots Owner Robert Kraft was also not voted in, further fueling debate about the voting process and the influence of politics behind the scenes.

Those decisions have led many to worry about Roethlisberger and whether the current voting climate could create an unfair path when he becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame. Another concern is the fact that Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, has already appeared on two Hall of Fame ballots and has not yet been voted in. 

While many view Roethlisberger’s overall legacy as stronger than Manning’s, the situation has still raised eyebrows. Some fans wonder if Manning’s delay could be a sign of tougher voting standards that may also slow down Roethlisberger’s chances when his time comes.

With politics, narratives, and voter discretion playing a larger role than ever, some fans fear that Roethlisberger’s accomplishments may not be enough to guarantee immediate induction, despite a résumé that appears worthy of first-ballot status.

Steelers Fans Aren't Happy Hines Ward Hasn't Been Voted In

Steelers fans point to past examples as reason for concern, most notably wide receiver Hines Ward, who many believe has not been treated fairly in the Hall of Fame voting process. Ward’s continued exclusion has long frustrated Pittsburgh supporters and serves as a cautionary tale. 

There is even a theory among some Steelers fans that the NFL may want to make it more difficult for Pittsburgh players to get in because the franchise already has so many members enshrined in Canton.

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