Ben Roethlisberger nearly wore blue instead of black, as his NFL career would have started with the Giants had they not been able to engineer the 2004 draft-day trade to secure Eli Manning.

The Giants — notably former general manager Ernie Accorsi — had Manning rated as the top quarterback in that class and were salivating to get him, one way or another. Thus, the bold trade with the Chargers, who made Manning the No. 1 pick that year. If that deal did not go down, Accorsi was ready to sit at No. 4 and take Roethlisberger out of Miami of Ohio, convinced Big Ben was going to be an outstanding player.

All these years later, football life has worked out just fine for Manning and Roethlisberger. Both have two Super Bowl rings and the undying respect and gratitude of their respective franchises. The one path in which their careers do not run parallel is when it comes to durability. Manning has it, Roethlisberger wishes he had it.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say his durability, he’s got one of the most awesome iron-man streaks going in, never missing a game,’’ Roethlisberger said Wednesday, asked what he admires most about Manning. “That’s just so impressive to play this game as long as he has, never missing a game, that’s so awesome, a compliment to his work ethic.’’

Manning never has missed a game in his NFL career — Sunday at Heinz Field will be his 195th consecutive regular-season start. Only three times in Roethlisberger’s 13 years has he played all 16 games in a season. Three times, he has missed as many as four games in a season. He is often hobbling off with one ailment or another, then finding his way back onto the field, taking a licking but keeping on ticking with that massive, linebacker-sized body. This season, he did not play in the Oct. 23 loss to the Patriots because of a knee issue.

Every four years, the Giants and Steelers square off, and the quarterback comparison is dusted off. This season, as usual, Roethlisberger’s numbers are more impressive — his passer rating is 99.5, compared to Manning’s 90.1. Manning has more passing yards, but Roethlisberger has more touchdown passes (23-20) and fewer interceptions (7-10). The Steelers have experienced issues on defense, though, and are 6-5 and on the fringe of playoff contention, while Manning has leaned on a vastly improved defense to inflate an 8-3 record.

Manning, Roethlisberger and San Diego’s Philip Rivers are linked by their 2004 draft class, and when their careers are at an end, debates will rage on about how to rank them as quarterbacks.

“I think you always have a special connection and bond with your draft-class guys,’’ Manning said. “I think you’re always rooting for your guys to do well. You always want your quarterback draft class to be well thought of and respected down the road. You hear about the ’83 draft class and other certain years. You want to be thrown in that mix someday.’’

This is a different sort of rivalry.

“I think each one of us when it’s all over wants to have an argument and want people to argue who was the best in our class,’’ Roethlisberger said. “That’s an awesome competition to have because all three of us have played this game for a long time and been able to do some pretty awesome things in a sport and a position that’s not easy to play.’’

There is something of an NFL quarterback fraternity, but Manning and Roethlisberger are not close.

“Haven’t seen him a whole lot outside of football,’’ Manning said. “Our paths haven’t crossed that much. I have a lot of respect for him and his game.’’

Roethlisberger described the relationship as “cordial’’ and respectful.

“I don’t have his number, we don’t text or call, but I have the utmost respect for him,’’ Roethlisberger said. “If I saw him on a golf course or on the street, we obviously would talk and I would have no problem having dinner with him.’’

They will meet up this weekend, exchange pleasantries and continue to lead their respective teams as they have for more than a decade.