Michael Wilbon Gets Ripped For Claim About Aaron Rodgers, John Elway

ESPN's Michael Wilbon is a man of many opinions, some popular and some wildly unpopular. His most recent take on Aaron Rodgers as he prepares for his final season ranks in the latter.

Appearing on First Take earlier this week, Wilbon declared that Rodgers "in no way measured up" to Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway. He said that Rodgers could "never in his wildest dreams" compare to the former Denver Broncos QB.

"Aaron Rodgers in no way measured up physically to the talent John Elway had. Never in his wildest dreams… you need to go get on YouTube or Google or something," Wilbon said.

Who holds a candle to who?

NFL fans quickly pointed out that Wilbon is biased since he's a Chicago Bears fan and pointed out the major statistical differences between Rodgers and Elway over their respective careers. As much as people may like Elway, the overwhelming sense is that they believe Rodgers is far better than he was.

"John Elway respectfully can't hold a candle to Aaron Rodgers," one user remarked on X.

"Yeah, this is why you don't ask a lifelong Bears fan about how they feel about Aaron Rodgers," another said dismissively.

"Some good acting from the Bears fan. Lol," a third wrote.

"Someone from the Wilbon family, please come and get your Grampy. He's making a complete and utter fool of himself. The 25-5 record Rodgers has against the Bears has completely broken him."

"Respectfully Aaron Rodgers talent wise is one of the greatest if not the greatest QB to throw the football. Maybe not as many rings as other QBs but if we're talking purely talent in throwing the ball ARod was one of the best without question."

Elway was great and spent decades carrying both head coach Dan Reeves and the team to deep playoff runs and several Super Bowls. He didn't finally get the talent on the field or the sidelines to actually win his two rings until the twilight of his career.

Ironically, things were kind of the opposite for Rodgers: He had all of the talent he needed earlier in his career and won a Super Bowl in his third year as a starter but has been chasing a second one ever since.

Both deserve their busts in Canton, but history will probably look back in comparison and say that Rodgers was better.

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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 1:54 PM.