Steelers Great Ben Roethlisberger Calls Out The NFL: "They Are Lying"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an interesting situation brewing at the quarterback spot. Of course, the 2025 season really comes down to whether or not Aaron Rodgers is going to be on the team. If Rodgers does join the Steelers, it drastically changes how many will view the team's ceiling. A quarterback of his caliber would immediately raise expectations and shift the narrative around Pittsburgh's potential in a competitive AFC.

Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger broke down the 2025 official schedule on his podcast Footbahlin on Tuesday. Roethlisberger admitted it was tough to make predictions without knowing who will be under center. Still, he pointed out something worth watching. The Steelers open the season against the New York Jets in Week 1 and then play the Green Bay Packers in Week 8, two teams tied closely to Rodgers' past and the ongoing speculation about his future.

Roethlisberger expressed doubt about the NFL’s claim that the schedule had nothing to do with Rodgers. He said he disagreed with the league and questioned their honesty about the matchups. The timing of those games, paired with the uncertainty around Rodgers, adds an extra layer of intrigue to a schedule already filled with high-stakes matchups.

"I know that the league came out and said the Packers game had nothing to do with Aaron Rodgers and was just about Mike Tomlin," Roethlisberger said. "I disagree with them. I think they are lying. They want to be in that game, obviously."

If Rodgers doesn’t join the Steelers, Pittsburgh appears ready to roll with Mason Rudolph while allowing rookie quarterback Will Howard to challenge him for the starting job. Roethlisberger admitted it was difficult to truly break down the schedule without knowing who will be under center. However, he did say that if Rodgers ends up in Pittsburgh, he believes the Steelers can beat the Packers in Week 8. Without Rodgers, Roethlisberger isn’t confident the Steelers have much of a chance.

The Steelers' 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines in the NFL. Roethlisberger recently tried to break down Pittsburgh’s schedule and seemed to struggle a bit, which perfectly reflects the confusion and fatigue surrounding the team’s quarterback situation. It’s not just Steelers fans who feel this way. Football fans everywhere have grown tired of the ongoing drama involving the 41-year-old quarterback.

Right now, the Steelers view Rodgers as their best chance to stay competitive in 2025. He may not be the long-term solution, but in the short-term, the organization believes he gives them the best shot at winning. The problem is that the quarterback of the future probably isn’t on the roster. Rudolph and Howard are still in the picture, but neither has shown the consistency or upside needed to lead a franchise. 

Steelers' 2025 Season Is Surely Going To Be Interesting At The QB Spot

Howard, of course, is a rookie, so he hasn’t had those chances yet. Maybe he gets them, runs with the opportunity, and never looks back. However, many pundits believe that’s more of a fairytale than a likely outcome for a sixth-round pick. Still, Howard doesn’t carry himself like a typical late-round selection. He’s confident, driven, and hungry to prove he belongs in Pittsburgh.

Rudolph did step up when it mattered in 2023. After being called upon late in the season, he helped turn things around and guided the Steelers back to the playoffs. He earned respect for that performance, but there are still real doubts about whether he can handle the pressure and responsibility of a full season as the starter. With so many unknowns at the most important position, the 2025 season feels like a pivotal moment for the franchise's direction.

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