Rudolph shrugs off Roethlisberger criticism: 'I'd probably say the same thing'

While Ben Roethlisberger seems displeased with the Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to select his potential replacement Mason Rudolph in the third round of this year's draft, the rookie opted to take the high road when asked about the veteran's criticism.

The 36-year-old Roethlisberger questioned how adding a young passer to a group already including Landry Jones and Joshua Dobbs can help Pittsburgh complete its goal of winning a Super Bowl.

"If I was Ben, I'd probably say the same thing," Rudolph said Sunday on NFL Network, according to CBSSports' Sean Wagner-McGough. "He's a competitor. Obviously, he has a lot of confidence in himself, like I do. Yeah, he's going to be a future Hall of Famer and I would expect him to say that.

"So, I'm just looking forward to going in there and learning the system, competing, raising my level of play, preparing like I'm the starter, even though obviously I won't be the starter. And just waiting and being prepared for whenever I get my time, whenever my time comes, to be ready and take advantage of it."

Roethlisberger said he was contemplating retirement, citing health concerns, following the conclusion of the 2016 campaign.

He waited three months to announce he would return for the 2017 season, but despite saying he would take his future "year by year," he ultimately proclaimed he now intends to play up to five more years following the selection of Rudolph.

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