Ex-Steelers Star Joey Porter Criticizes Ben Roethlisberger
In a recent interview, former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Porter made headlines by criticizing his former teammate, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Porter specifically pointed out that Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl champion, was not well-regarded among his teammates and allegedly damaged the team’s camaraderie. He described Roethlisberger as “not a good teammate” during his tenure with the Steelers.
Joey Porter’s Strong Remarks
Porter shared his thoughts on the podcast “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward.” He emphasized that while he has respect for Roethlisberger as a quarterback, he questioned his character. “The s–t that 7 [Roethlisberger] do that we don’t talk about is crazy,” Porter remarked, indicating there were several issues that breached team unity.
Incidents Highlighted by Porter
- Porter recalled an instance when rookie Roethlisberger declined to sign an item for former defensive lineman Aaron Smith’s family.
- He mentioned that as an assistant under Mike Tomlin from 2014 to 2018, Roethlisberger was often unapproachable.
Despite expressing love for his quarterback, Porter did not hold back on criticizing Roethlisberger’s behavior. He noted that many teammates were protective of Roethlisberger, contributing to his career success while also acknowledging flaws in his character.
Support from Former Teammates
Porter’s comments have resonated with several current and former Steelers players. Backup quarterback Mason Rudolph praised him for speaking out, while former safety Mike Mitchell supported Porter’s stance. Offensive lineman Mike Adams also commended Porter for holding Roethlisberger accountable, stating, “Ben talking s–t about anybody is comical.”
Roethlisberger’s Controversial Comments
In December, Roethlisberger suggested that the Steelers might need a fresh start, particularly referring to Coach Mike Tomlin. This statement raised eyebrows, especially given the timing and context of Porter’s criticisms. Although Roethlisberger later tried to clarify his remarks, the relationship between him, Porter, and possibly other teammates seemed strained.
Conclusions on Roethlisberger’s Leadership
Joey Porter’s insights into Ben Roethlisberger’s leadership raise significant questions about the quarterback’s influence within the Steelers organization. His critiques shed light on the complicated dynamics that can exist in professional sports teams, emphasizing the importance of strong interpersonal relationships in achieving success.
