Mike Golic Jr., Amin Elhassan and Marcellus Wiley react to Terry Bradshaw saying Ben Roethsliberger is a better QB than Tom Brady. (1:54)

Saying Big Ben is better than Brady 'not as crazy as it sounds' (1:54)

PITTSBURGH -- Terry Bradshaw's opinion of NFL quarterbacks will be felt in New England and Green Bay.

Bradshaw calls Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger the league's best passer in an interview with Steelers.com this week. Bradshaw is a Fox NFL Sunday analyst and four-time Super Bowl winner as the Steelers quarterback from 1970 to '83.

"I would rate Ben right on top of the list, ahead of [Tom] Brady for sure and anybody else, [Philip] Rivers, Eli [Manning]," Bradshaw told the website. "He is big, strong and poised."

Ben Roethlisberger tops the list of quarterbacks for former Steelers great Terry Bradshaw. AP Photo/Jack Dempsey

Roethlisberger was listed as a Tier 1 quarterback in ESPN.com's recent quarterback ratings, but Brady and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers are popular candidates for the top spot after winning multiple MVP awards. Brady has four Super Bowl rings, followed by Roethlisberger's two and Rodgers' one.

Bradshaw cited Roethlisberger's pocket presence and clutch play as reasons for the edge over other quarterbacks, and he makes clear his history with Pittsburgh is not a factor in the debate.

"Ben has amazing talent, strong arm, strong guy, big in big games, clutch throws, makes something happen," Bradshaw said. "I have always admired him. I have the greatest respect for the job he has done and how he handles himself as a professional. The offense they are running is just amazing. The job he does and how he stands in there is impressive.

"It's been years of solid, exceptional play. He could have been the MVP in the league last year if he would have stayed healthy. I am not saying this because I am a Steeler and trying to suck up to anybody. I am just telling you he is special, different. I'll take Roethlisberger over any of those guys."

Roethlisberger missed four games last year due to injury but averaged a league-high 328 passing yards per game and finished with 21 touchdowns.