Big Ben had a tough reputation among his teammates during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a recent interview with Cam Heyward, former Steeler Joey Porter opened up about his complicated feelings toward quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Porter didn’t hold back. He claimed that Roethlisberger wasn’t a good teammate and had a way of breaking the team’s bond. He said, “The stuff he did is crazy… he’s just not a good person.” This honesty shines a light on a side of the team dynamic that many fans might not understand.
One incident stood out: when rookie Roethlisberger refused to sign something for veteran defensive lineman Aaron Smith’s family. This moment led to some uncomfortable conversations within the team. It’s moments like these that can break trust, and Porter worries about how that may have affected the team over the years.
He reflected on his experiences helping to coach under Mike Tomlin from 2014 to 2018. Porter described Roethlisberger as unapproachable, hinting that this attitude only worsened after veteran players left the team.
This resonates with what some current players are saying, too. Backup quarterback Mason Rudolph supported Porter’s comments on social media, and former safety Mike Mitchell also praised Porter for sharing his truth.
Despite the criticism, Roethlisberger did have his share of supporters within the team, many of whom contributed to his success. His two Super Bowl wins and potential Hall of Fame status highlight the complexity of his career.
In December, Roethlisberger stirred controversy by suggesting that it might be time for the Steelers to move on from Tomlin. He later tried to soften those comments, but it felt too late for many, including Porter.
Reflecting on leadership qualities, Porter expressed doubts about Roethlisberger’s leadership style during his career. “He wouldn’t get voted captain if he wasn’t given a ‘C’ by default,” he said.
These revelations make us wonder: how much of a player’s personal traits can affect the team’s overall success? It’s a reminder that sports are not just about statistics or wins but also about relationships and character. For more on team dynamics in sports, check out the latest research from the Sports Psychology Association here.
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NFL,Sports,ben roethlisberger,joey porter,mike tomlin,pittsburgh steelers
