Jason Bridge / USA Today Sports
Former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter Sr. hypes up the home crowd during a game at the then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.
Porter didn’t hold back. He called out Roethlisberger directly, claiming the team “protected” him and asserting that he was not a good person or teammate. Harsh words, to say the least, especially coming from someone who shared a locker room with Roethlisberger at the highest level. Fans were left wondering where this sudden fire came from and whether there might be more behind-the-scenes tensions bubbling to the surface.
However, for long-time observers, this shouldn’t have come as a complete shock. Porter has never been shy about criticizing Roethlisberger. Back in May of 2019, in an article by Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Porter made it clear that he felt Roethlisberger sometimes used his power in selfish ways.Â
“It’s clear he has the power, and how he uses it? He uses it for him,” Porter said back in May of 2019 about Roethlisberger.
Porter did end up leaving the Steelers after being cut to save money during a period of transition under then-head coach Mike Tomlin. Steelers fans may try to connect the dots and speculate that maybe Roethlisberger didn’t do enough to help Porter secure his contract or support him at the time.Â
It was clear that Porter didn’t want to leave Pittsburgh. Perhaps there was more to the situation back then, which could explain why, all these years later, Porter still harbors resentment.
Allen Kee / Getty Images
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (#7) escapes the pass rush and prepares to make a throw as Pittsburgh takes on the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl XL in Detroit, MI.
His Wednesday remarks, while sharper and more pointed, are consistent with a history of outspoken opinions about his former teammate, a reminder that not all bonds in the Steelers’ locker room were as golden as fans might hope. Cook at the time tried to connect some dots that are especially relevant today, after Porter’s most recent comments.
“What Porter didn’t mention is that he has a history with Roethlisberger, an unpleasant one at that,” Cook said. “It goes back to the 2005 season when the two were teammates and Porter called Roethlisberger out in the locker room.”
In 2017, Roethlisberger commented on that situation, revealing how much it had made him dislike Porter. By 2019, Cook believed that this past grudge was likely the reason Porter was so blunt about his hatred for Roethlisberger.
More Steelers Expected To Weigh In On The Drama Between Porter And Roethlisberger
What makes this all the more fascinating is that these tensions date back years, yet still stir strong reactions among Steelers fans today. Porter’s blunt remarks serve as a reminder that even championship locker rooms can harbor complicated relationships. While Roethlisberger is remembered as one of the franchise’s greatest quarterbacks, Porter’s comments highlight that success on the field doesn’t always translate to harmony off it.Â
Jared Wickerham / Getty Images
Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger runs with the football while wearing a throwback jersey.
For fans, it’s a rare glimpse behind the curtain, showing that even icons can be polarizing figures in the eyes of their teammates. Whether you side with Porter or still revere Roethlisberger, one thing is clear: these longstanding feelings won’t fade quietly, and the debate over the real dynamics of that Steelers era is far from over. More former and current Steelers are likely to weigh in on this situation soon.
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