Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger talked about “cheap shots” he received from the Cincinnati Bengals during the latest episode of his “Footbahlin” podcast, as he welcomed former Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko to the Steelers’ coaching staff.
Peko hasn’t been introduced, but The Athletic’s Zac Jackson reported Feb. 2 that head coach Mike McCarthy is expected to name Peko the Steelers’ defensive line coach.
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“When you went to Cincinnati, you knew you were gonna be sore because of the cheap shots, and the bad part,” Roethlisberger said. “(Peko) was not one. This guy was a guy that you respected. He respected the game. He respected the players. So I have a lot of respect for him. I think that’s a great pickup for them. … He’s gonna show passion. So I think that’s a huge hire.”
In 2022, Roethlisberger said he “always hated playing” the Bengals because he “was afraid I was gonna get hurt because of something dirty, something cheap.”
In Dec. 2025, Roethlisberger suggested it was time for the Steelers to move on from head coach Mike Tomlin.
“Maybe it’s a clean-house time. Maybe it’s time,” the former Miami University standout said on the podcast. “I like Coach Tomlin. I have a lot of respect for Coach Tomlin, but maybe it’s best for him, too. Maybe a fresh start for him is what’s best. Whether that’s in the pros, maybe go be Penn State’s head coach. You know what he would do in Penn State? He would probably go win national championships.”
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In Nov. 2025, Roethlisberger said he didn’t expect quarterback Joe Flacco and the Bengals to have the same success against Pittsburgh in Week 11 at Acrisure Stadium that they had in Week 7 at Paycor Stadium. The Steelers won 34-12.
In Oct. 2025, Roethlisberger said the Bengals’ white uniforms and field paint were to blame for an interception by quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the Steelers’ 33-31 loss in Cincinnati.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Roethlisberger welcomes Peko to Steelers, talks Bengals’ ‘cheap shots’