While the 2027 Hall of Fame is still a few years away, Kay Adams sat with Charlie Batch to discuss Ben Roethlisberger’s status. With Eli Manning not being a first-ballot addition, Batch pointed out the numbers and reasons “Big Ben” should be, and why he expects to make two trips to the HOF in 2027.
Charlie Batch Calls Ben Roethlisberger a First-Ballot Hall of Famer
On her show “Up & Adams,” Kay Adams talked to former NFL quarterback Charlie Batch, who has an extensive history with Roethlisberger. Batch spoke about Roethlisberger’s case to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer: “He absolutely is. His résumé is just as equal as Eli [Manning], if not better than him. When you look at numbers, depending on what you’re looking for, they definitely are better for him.”
“He absolutely is. His résumé is just as good as Eli’s—if not better.”
Charlie Batch on why Ben Roethlisberger is a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2027. 🏈🔥 @heykayadams | @CharlieBatch16 pic.twitter.com/qua65nNUZ4
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) June 4, 2025
A graphic comparing Eli Manning and Roethlisberger’s career stats was shown. While each quarterback has a pair of Super Bowl wins, Roethlisberger has two more Pro Bowl appearances than Manning. He threw for over 7,000 more yards in his career, with 52 more passing touchdowns and 33 fewer interceptions. With a .669 win percentage compared to Manning’s .500, it’s no wonder that Batch brought up the numbers.
Batch discussed how he takes 100 middle schoolers to the Hall of Fame every year and how, in a few years, he’ll have to make a second trip. “The second time is to see you inducted into the Hall of Fame.”
Roethlisberger’s attempts at humility were not heeded by Batch for one reason only: He was there to witness his phenomenal growth as a football player. The former quarterbacks played together in Pittsburgh, with Batch spending 2002-12 as a Steeler.
“I don’t care if you brush it off or not, I was there for nine of your 18 years, and I saw the work that you put into it, behind the scenes, when nobody gave you credit. It wasn’t until you threw for 4,952 yards that people on the outside said, ‘This guy can really throw the football.’ I’m just proud of him, he’s like a little brother to me, and I’m just proud of him for the work that he’s put in to create this opportunity for himself,” he added.
Roethlisberger is one of the rare players in the NFL who has been able to play every single season with the same team. From 2004 to 2021, Roethlisberger suited up only for Pittsburgh. The Steelers have struggled to find their next long-term quarterback as the two-time Super Bowl champion left a nearly impossible void to fill.