Legendary NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has split fan opinion after claiming that Aaron Rodgers was ‘better’ in his prime than Patrick Mahomes.

Debates over where Rodgers stands within the pantheon of football’s greatest ever quarterbacks has been rife after he confirmed that he’s ready to end his NFL career.

The quarterback signed a one-year, $13.65million deal with the Steelers earlier this month however admitted that he expects the upcoming season to be his final.

In contrast, Mahomes has plenty of years left on the football field and is quickly rising up the quarterback ‘GOAT’ list after shining in recent years.

The Chiefs star, who is just 29, has been to five Super Bowls in his career and won three – compared to Rodgers’ single title claimed at Super Bowl XLV.

Despite this, Roethlisberger insisted that a ‘prime’ Rodgers trumps Mahomes – but still took time to heap praise on the Chiefs star.

A former NFL star weighed in on a debate comparing Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes
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Mahomes is quickly rising up the 'GOAT' quarterback list after shining in recent years
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A former NFL star weighed in on a debate comparing Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes

Legendary NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger claimed Rodgers in his 'prime' was better
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Legendary NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger claimed Rodgers in his ‘prime’ was better

He revealed: ‘I would take Aaron in his prime over Patrick now. (Pat) He’ll go down as another arguable G.O.A.T. I think Aaron in his prime is better’.

It didn’t take long for fans to provide their opinions on the statement and it’s fair to say there was a split among supporters.

Some were echoing Roethlisberger’s thoughts, as they wrote: ‘AR is the most efficient QB in NFL history. Ben spit facts’.

‘Completely agree. Put prime Rodgers in Mahomes’ situation and that would be insane,’ another said.

However, some fans were quick to back Mahomes. ‘Maybe in regular season but in the playoffs dude never played to his potential everyone knows that’, one said.

‘Rogers might be the better passer overall But obviously Mahomes has the better success in terms of champions’, another said.

‘No i don’t agree with this statement. I love Rodgers but Mahomes is something else’.

Despite having three more Super Bowl titles, Mahomes was snubbed by Roethlisberger
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Despite having three more Super Bowl titles, Mahomes was snubbed by Roethlisberger

Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.65million deal with the Steelers earlier this month
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Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.65million deal with the Steelers earlier this month

Rodgers agreed to play his 21st season with the Steelers this month on a deal that reportedly includes $10million guaranteed – following yet another offseason in NFL limbo after his split from the New York Jets.

After leaving New York, Rodgers had been linked with city rivals the Giants and the Minnesota Vikings as well as the Steelers.

It quickly became clear, however, that Pittsburgh was the only realistic option on the table for him, before he jetted to Pennsylvania for talks with Mike Tomlin.

Yet, Rodgers still took his time before committing to the Steelers before admitting to Joe Rogan last month that tragedy in his personal life, with multiple members of his inner circle said to be battling cancer, had forced him to put his decision on hold.