Joey Porter Criticizes Former Teammate Ben Roethlisberger

In a recent podcast appearance, former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Porter openly criticized his former teammate, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. During his visit on “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward,” Porter expressed his discontent with Roethlisberger’s behavior on and off the field.

Joey Porter’s Criticism of Ben Roethlisberger

Porter stated that Roethlisberger was neither a good teammate nor a good person. His comments specifically targeted the quarterback’s negative portrayal of “Steeler business,” suggesting that Roethlisberger often shared stories that aimed to enhance his own image.

Key Comments Made by Joey Porter

• “The (stuff) that seven did that we don’t talk about is crazy.”
• “His (butt) is foul of all foul.”
• “He’s not a good teammate.”

Porter revealed that, despite winning a Super Bowl with Roethlisberger, he felt compelled to protect the team culture instead of overlooking Roethlisberger’s troubling behavior. Porter emphasized that everyone in the Steelers organization was aware of these issues, stating, “we protected him.” He added that while he respected Roethlisberger as a quarterback, he could not condone his shortcomings as a teammate.

Background on Their Relationship

Joey Porter and Ben Roethlisberger were teammates from 2004 to 2006. Later, Porter returned as a defensive coach for five seasons. Their relationship is complex, especially given recent comments by other former players about current Steelers coach, Mike Tomlin.

Concerns About Team Unity

Porter also criticized Roethlisberger for his lack of camaraderie with teammates. He recalled instances where Roethlisberger refused to sign memorabilia for their families, which Porter found disrespectful to the team culture. He noted:

• “Who the hell is too cool to sign for your teammate?”
• “You’re a young guy. You can’t tell my vets you’re too cool to sign for my vets.”

Leadership Qualities in Question

Roethlisberger, while a two-time Super Bowl champion, faced scrutiny for not embodying captain qualities. Porter pointed out that it took years for Roethlisberger to be voted as a team captain and questioned whether he truly deserved the title:

• He waited until his fifth season to be elected a captain.
• He lost his captaincy for a year after a suspension in 2010.

Porter reflected on past captains like Jerome Bettis and Hines Ward, suggesting that the team atmosphere shifted significantly during Roethlisberger’s tenure. He claimed that Roethlisberger received the “C” for captain simply to avoid dissatisfaction, not necessarily because he possessed the necessary leadership qualities.

Conclusion

Joey Porter’s candid remarks about Ben Roethlisberger underscore an ongoing conversation about leadership and personal accountability within the NFL. As more former players speak out, the dynamics within the Steelers organization may face further scrutiny. For the latest updates on sports and player critiques, visit Filmogaz.com.