The Pittsburgh Steelers have watched Jaylen Warren transform from an undrafted prospect into one of the most important pieces of their offense. His rise has captured the attention of franchise legend Ben Roethlisberger, who delivered an unexpected endorsement. The two-time Super Bowl champion believes Warren deserves national recognition. Roethlisberger thinks Warren deserves consideration for some of the league's biggest individual honors.
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Steelers running back Jaylen Warren rushes in Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season against the New Orleans Saints.
That is remarkable praise coming from a quarterback who spent 18 seasons in the NFL and shared the field with accomplished running backs. Roethlisberger witnessed elite rushing production from teammates and opponents. He understands how a special player changes defensive game plans. After all, Roethlisberger shared a backfield with Jerome Bettis, Willie Parker, Le'Veon Bell, James Conner and Najee Harris. That gives his assessment of Warren considerable weight.
Warren's performance in Sunday's 27-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns gave Roethlisberger another reason to speak up. The running back rushed for 143 yards as Pittsburgh established control on the ground, helping the Steelers improve to 6-2 entering their bye week. When Roethlisberger discussed the running game via his podcast, Footbahlin, he didn't simply call Warren underrated. He suggested a much bigger conversation should begin.
"I think personally, as we dive into the running game, this guy Warren needs to start to be talked about in some MVP stuff, like league MVP stuff or Offensive Player of the Year," Roethlisberger said.
Those are not awards that former quarterbacks casually attach to ordinary performances. The NFL MVP conversation is usually dominated by quarterbacks, making Roethlisberger's suggestion especially bold for a running back. Offensive Player of the Year is another demanding standard, typically requiring a season of sustained production and game-changing performances. Warren has plenty left to prove, but the praise is significant.
What makes the endorsement more meaningful is Roethlisberger's perspective. During his Steelers career, he worked alongside talented backs who carried enormous responsibilities within Pittsburgh's offense. He also spent years facing some of the league's toughest defensive fronts and watching how exceptional runners could dictate the terms of a game. Hearing him identify Warren as someone worthy of national award discussions reflects just how much the former quarterback respects his development.
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter of an NFL game at Acrisure Stadium.
Roethlisberger made clear that his appreciation goes beyond what Warren contributes as a traditional ball carrier. Pittsburgh's offense asks its backs to do more than take handoffs, and Warren has demonstrated why that versatility matters. His receiving ability gives quarterbacks another option under pressure.
"What he is doing is pretty impressive, catching the ball and running the ball," Roethlisberger said.
Warren's journey makes the recognition even more compelling. He entered the league without hearing his name called in the NFL Draft, meaning nothing about his professional future was guaranteed. He earned every opportunity, from a roster spot to a major offensive role. Now, one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in franchise history is publicly suggesting he belongs in conversations usually reserved for established superstars.
Steelers Have Found Something Special In Jaylen Warren
The Steelers have leaned on their running game to establish a physical identity under head coach Mike McCarthy. Warren's willingness to fight for difficult yards, contribute as a receiver and handle a demanding workload makes him central to that approach. His production also creates opportunities for Aaron Rodgers and the rest of Pittsburgh's offense by forcing defenses to respect the ground attack.
Still, there is a difference between receiving an MVP endorsement and building a season-long MVP case. Warren would need to maintain elite production, remain healthy and continue delivering against strong opponents to seriously challenge the league's biggest names. Roethlisberger's comments express confidence, not a guaranteed award.
For Warren, the recognition represents another milestone in an unlikely football journey. For Pittsburgh, it reinforces how valuable its former undrafted running back has become. The Steelers don't need an individual trophy to appreciate what Warren provides, but hearing Roethlisberger place his name alongside the NFL's elite says plenty. So does Warren's 2026 production.
Do you believe Jaylen Warren deserves to enter the NFL MVP or Offensive Player of the Year conversation for the Pittsburgh Steelers? Share your thoughts with me on X at @anthonyghalkias.
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