New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers Season Opener: Patriots Bill Belichick Pokes Fun of Big Ben’s Weight

Football season is right around the corner!

The New England Patriots will be hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers this Thursday for the season opener and Patriots coach Bill Belichick is already hyping up the rivalry by taking a jab at Big Ben's weight.

"Yeah, he was probably that in the eighth grade," Belichick said in response to a question about Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger's weight. "He's all of 241, trust me."

After the light joke, Belichick complimented Roethlisberger's ability to play even when defenders are trying to drag him down. Roethlisberger also has great passing numbers against the Patriots.

Roethlisberger, who is 6'5" tall, is one of the biggest quarterbacks in the league. His weight is comparable to Steelers linebackers James Harrison (242) and Arthur Moats (246).

"I guess I should take that as a compliment from Coach Belichick," Roethlisberger said in response to the comment. "Not being around him all that much to know whether it is his humor or him being serious, but I guess that's a compliment coming from him. Any time you can get, even if it's a legit compliment or backhanded compliment, whatever you can get from Coach Belichick, you have to take it."

Roethlisberger then called Belichick a "genius" and praised his defensive line. When Belichick heard the quarterback's response, he smiled and added another light jab.

"That sounds like Ben buttering us up pretty good," Belichick said. "Half these guys have never played against him."

Thursday night's opener between the Patriots and the Steelers will start at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC.