Mahomes’ Prime Defended: Trainer Responds to Big Ben’s ‘Past Prime’ Claim | NFL Wires

Mahomes’ Prime Defended: Trainer Responds to Big Ben’s ‘Past Prime’ Claim | NFL Wires

After Ben Roethlisberger claimed Patrick Mahomes may be past his prime, Mahomes’ longtime trainer Bobby Stroupe fired back. Discover who’s right and what it means for Chiefs fans on NFL Wires.

Introduction: A Bold Claim Sparks a Fiery Response

Retired great Ben Roethlisberger recently made headlines by suggesting on his podcast that Patrick Mahomes may have already begun his decline. But Mahomes’ trainer, Bobby Stroupe, shot back within hours, defending the Chiefs quarterback and igniting debate.

Let’s unpack the clash, explore the coaching response, and see what Chiefs Kingdom fans should know.

Big Ben’s Provocative Take

On the Footbahlin podcast, the former Steelers QB stunned listeners with a bold statement:

“I would take Aaron [Rodgers] in his prime over Patrick now… Patrick Mahomes is just entering out of his prime.” 

 

Roethlisberger praised Mahomes but maintained he viewed Aaron Rodgers in his prime as the superior current player—a claim that stirred instant debate.

Trainer Bobby Stroupe Fires Back

Mahomes’ trainer, who’s worked with him since grade school, wasn’t having it. On social media, he responded:

“Not everybody quits working out at 30 years old, Ben.”

 

 

That pointed jab questioned Roethlisberger’s assumptions about Mahomes’ age, work ethic, and fitness levels.

The Data: Prime or Not?

Looking at Mahomes’ 2024 numbers:

• Regular-season QB+ rating: 84.4 (10th in NFL)

• Playoff QB+: 84.8 (7th overall), including a standout 88.2 in the AFC Championship 

• Third-down conversion rate: an impressive 47.8%—the best in the NFL 

While some efficiency metrics dipped slightly, his clutch performance and postseason excellence remain elite.

Weighing the Arguments

Roethlisberger’s Point

• Rodgers in his prime—MVP-level, precise, polished.

• Mahomes, though great, may be on a gradual decline.

Stroupe’s Rebuttal

• Age 29 is prime time in today’s NFL.

• Mahomes remains supremely dedicated—a return to the gym post-Super Bowl loss proves his commitment.

• Recent stats back continued dominance.

What It Means for Chiefs Fans

1. Fuel for Motivation
   Public critiques from a legend can light a fire—Mahomes usually responds on the field.

2. Debate on QB Greatness
   The Rodgers vs Mahomes conversation is ongoing. Big Ben’s input strengthens the discourse, Mahomes’ trainer sharpen the edge.

3. Opportunity to Shine
   If Mahomes responds with MVP-type production in 2025, these comments will only fuel his legacy ascent.

NFL Wires’ Take

The debate reflects generational comparisons—Rodgers’ calculated precision versus Mahomes’ improvisational brilliance. But at 29, Mahomes is far from decline. His numbers, drive, and resilience show he remains at or near peak form.

Ultimately, fields, not talk, decide. And Mahomes looks ready to prove he’s not past prime—just continuing greatness.

Conclusion: Words vs. Performance

Ben Roethlisberger’s bold statement may grab headlines—but Bobby Stroupe’s sharp retort and Mahomes’ performance metrics tell a different story. If the 2025 season sees Mahomes lighting up stats and winning games, that response will be the most powerful rebuttal of all.

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