Ben Roethlisberger Weighs In on Logan Paul’s NFL Boxing Challenge
Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger shared his thoughts on Logan Paul’s offer to fight an NFL player, suggesting Antonio Brown might be a more fitting opponent.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
Logan Paul’s latest boxing challenge has captured the attention of athletes and fans alike, and Pittsburgh Steelers icon Ben Roethlisberger has now added his perspective. Paul offered $1 million to anyone willing to face him in the ring, sparking reactions from former NFL stars, including Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. While Brown has been vocal—sometimes controversially—on social media, Roethlisberger approached the topic with measured humor and skepticism.
Roethlisberger weighed in on Paul’s proposal during a recent podcast appearance, suggesting that Brown might be a more appropriate adversary than himself. The former quarterback, a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion, acknowledged the physical differences between the fighters and expressed doubts about the seriousness of Paul’s challenge. His remarks reflected both his familiarity with NFL personalities and his cautious take on celebrity boxing ventures.
The conversation also brought back memories of Roethlisberger’s time in Pittsburgh, where he formed a high-profile trio with Brown and Bell between 2013 and 2017. Their chemistry on the field was well-documented, and Roethlisberger’s anecdotes highlighted both Brown’s talent and his unpredictable character, painting a vivid picture of their time together in the Steel City.
Paul, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs roughly 210 pounds, last fought in 2023, earning a win over Dillon Danis via disqualification. Comparisons with NFL players like the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Brown sparked debate over who would present the most competitive matchup, underscoring the intersection of celebrity boxing and professional football culture.
1. Roethlisberger’s Take on the Challenge
Roethlisberger approached the subject with a mix of humor and pragmatism. “What they should do is do two million and put AB in there against him,” he said, referencing Antonio Brown. “I know he’s going to be a lot smaller. I would take AB over Logan Paul.” He acknowledged that he doesn’t know Paul personally and admitted uncertainty over the authenticity of the challenge. “Again, I don’t know Logan Paul at all. No offense, I’m not trying to talk trash. Wasn’t Logan, or one of them, and Tom Brady talking trash recently? I don’t know if they’re just building up this thing,” Roethlisberger added. The comments reveal Roethlisberger’s cautious optimism. While intrigued by the idea of an NFL player stepping into the boxing ring, he remained skeptical about whether the promotion is genuine or primarily for publicity. His approach is typical of a veteran athlete weighing the risks and theatrics of celebrity sports stunts. By proposing Brown as the preferred opponent, Roethlisberger also highlighted his awareness of matchups and competitive dynamics. His perspective underscores that, beyond entertainment value, size, experience, and temperament all matter in these cross-sport encounters.
2. Revisiting Steelers Memories
Roethlisberger’s remarks naturally evoked nostalgia for his Steelers era. Playing alongside Brown and Bell, he was part of a formidable trio that shaped Pittsburgh’s offense from 2013 to 2017. The combination of skill, speed, and unpredictability made them one of the league’s most dynamic units. Brown’s behavior, in particular, left a lasting impression. “I saw AB hit someone twice in the blink of an eye. Like, ‘Wait, what just happened?’ He hit him twice, I think,” Roethlisberger recalled. Anecdotes like this capture both the competitive fire and eccentricity that Brown brought to the field. For fans, these stories serve as a reminder of the Steelers’ successes during that period, including two Super Bowl titles. Off-field antics and personality quirks added color to their legacy, creating narratives that remain relevant as former teammates weigh in on today’s celebrity sports trends. Roethlisberger’s reflections demonstrate that, even years after retiring, his connection to his teammates and the game endures. His perspective offers context for evaluating celebrity boxing proposals through the lens of an experienced professional athlete.
3. Paul vs. NFL Speculation
Comparisons between Paul and potential NFL opponents have become a topic of public fascination. While Paul is 6-foot-2 and roughly 210 pounds, Brown is 5-foot-10 and around 180 pounds, highlighting a notable size difference. These physical mismatches play a key role in discussions about potential fights. Paul’s previous matches, including a 2021 exhibition against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and a 2023 win over Dillon Danis, underscore his growing profile in the boxing world. Fans and commentators alike have speculated about how he would fare against professional athletes from other sports, particularly NFL stars with strong competitive instincts. Roethlisberger’s cautious endorsement of Brown adds credibility to these discussions, suggesting that NFL experience, agility, and toughness could make for a compelling matchup. Meanwhile, Bell and other former players have expressed varying levels of interest, further fueling speculation. Ultimately, the conversations around Paul’s challenge reveal a growing intersection between celebrity boxing and mainstream sports, where public attention and personality often rival technical skill. Roethlisberger’s input provides insight from a seasoned professional who knows both the intensity of football and the spectacle of competitive sport.