Pittsburgh Steelers fans got hit with some somewhat surprising headlines on Wednesday. The news stemmed from comments made by former Steelers outside linebacker Joey Porter Sr. while speaking with current Steelers captain Cameron Heyward on Heyward’s podcast. During their conversation, Porter made it clear that he does not believe former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger should have a platform to criticize or talk about Steelers football, going as far as calling him “foul of all foul.”
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter Sr. speaking with members of the Pittsburgh media.
What made Porter’s remarks even more surprising was the timing. Just a few months earlier, Porter, Roethlisberger, and former center Maurkice Pouncey were seen smiling and appearing friendly together at a Steelers event where they were honored as part of the organization’s Hall of Honor. Despite that public show of unity, the podcast clip quickly went viral, sparking debate among fans and former players alike. Roethlisberger’s former teammate Mason Rudolph even weighed in, posting a comment that many interpreted as agreeing with Porter’s harsh criticism.
The growing controversy eventually reached ESPN analyst and former Steelers safety Ryan Clark, who did not hesitate to share his thoughts. Clark took to social media to address the brewing drama between the former Steelers players, offering a strong response that only added fuel to an already heated situation. As the clip continued to circulate online, the unexpected rift between past members of the franchise became one of the most talked-about storylines among Steelers fans on Wednesday.
“Are we going to have to call a Steelers’ ‘former’ Player’s only meeting? We out here like the Cowboys,” Clark said.
It’s no secret what Clark is referring to when he says, “We out here like the Dallas Cowboys.” He is talking about the drama and reality TV style discussion about players that often is reserved for organizations like Dallas. Whatever happened in the past between Porter and Roethlisberger should have been settled long ago, not aired on a podcast where one former player criticizes the other.Â
ESPN
Former Steelers safety now turned NFL analyst Ryan Clark speaking on an ESPN show.
Both were great Steelers players and played key roles in the team’s Super Bowl XL victory. Without Porter’s leadership, that team likely would not have made the run to the title, but Roethlisberger’s play and talents over 18 seasons were certainly more impactful and meaningful than Porter’s eight years in Pittsburgh.Â
Not that fans need to compare, because the positions are not even the same, as Roethlisberger was a quarterback and Porter a linebacker. Even so, all these years later, going on a podcast to slander Roethlisberger still raises eyebrows.
Perhaps even more interesting is the response it generated from former players, which prompted Clark to weigh in on social media. Clearly, he has heard all the noise and wanted to share his perspective. Clark did not explicitly take sides, but his statement made it clear that he does not condone this kind of behavior. He views it as Cowboy-like, not the way the Steelers handle things, and it is obvious he does not like it.
Clark will likely expand on his thoughts when he appears on ESPN Thursday morning. For now, his comments serve as a reminder that past conflicts between former teammates are best left in the past and not turned into public drama for clicks or entertainment.
Steelers’ Drama Could Get Even More Heated
The Steelers’ community continues to react strongly to the resurfacing tension between former teammates. Fans and analysts alike are debating how past conflict should be handled in public, and the situation has reignited conversations about Porter and Roethlisberger’s roles in Steelers history. Even years after their playing days, both remain central figures in the franchise’s legacy.
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Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger holds up his jersey as he gets picked by Pittsburgh in the 2004 NFL Draft.
It will be interesting to see if Roethlisberger or other former teammates come forward to defend him. Their responses, if they happen, could add a new layer to the drama and provide fans with more insight into the relationships that helped shape the Steelers’ success. For now, all eyes remain on how the former stars choose to address the growing discussion.
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