Ben Roethlisberger is no stranger to controversy — but this time, the Pittsburgh Steelers legend is directing his fire at the current coaching staff.
In the latest episode of his Footbahlin’ podcast, Roethlisberger delivered a clear, uncompromising message: don’t try to limit Aaron Rodgers.
“There’s no way you can tell Aaron Rodgers he can’t check the line of scrimmage,” Big Ben said.
“You can’t have a guy like that and not let him run the show.”
It was a direct response to rumors that Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith might enforce a rigid, no-audible system similar to what he ran in Atlanta — something that reportedly caused friction with other veteran quarterbacks like Russell Wilson.
Roethlisberger’s tone made it clear: Rodgers is not someone you control — he’s someone you trust.
Big Ben Knows the Position
Few people understand what it’s like to play quarterback in Pittsburgh better than Ben Roethlisberger. Over 18 seasons with the team, he saw his share of offensive coordinators — and had public tensions with some of them.
So when he speaks about quarterback autonomy, especially involving a future Hall of Famer like Rodgers, it comes from experience.
“You don’t bring in Aaron Rodgers and then tell him, ‘Just run what we give you.’ He’s too smart for that. Too good for that.”
Roethlisberger added that success in Pittsburgh — especially in a season where expectations are sky-high — depends on allowing Rodgers to read the game and adjust as he sees fit.
Context: Rodgers’ Role in 2025
Rodgers, 41, signed with the Steelers in what many believe could be his final NFL season. While officially competing for the QB1 role, early camp reports suggest that the team may rotate him with Mason Rudolph — or use him situationally.
But Big Ben’s message is clear: if you have Rodgers, you build the offense around him — not around a system.
Steelers fans are split. Some believe Rodgers is too old and injury-prone to run a complex, Rodgers-centric offense. Others, however, agree with Roethlisberger: if you sign a four-time MVP, you give him the keys.
“Letting Rodgers call his own plays might be risky,” one fan posted. “But not letting him? That’s way worse.”
Ben Roethlisberger didn’t mince words. He sees what Pittsburgh has in Aaron Rodgers — and he doesn’t want to see it wasted.
“Let him play his game,” he said. “You’ll get the best version of Rodgers — or you’ll get nothing at all.”
