Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey says that if anyone is against Ben Roethlisberger, they are also against Pouncey himself.
In a scathing Instagram post towards critics of Roethlisberger, Pouncey defended his longtime quarterback and best friend.
“It’s unbelievable the hate I’ve been seeing from people inside the family!! Especially when we all a call away! If you against Big Ben (expletive) YOU, YOU AGAINST ME! CLOUT IS A DISEASE! #1love,” Pouncey wrote on Instagram.
Pouncey and Roethlisberger were each inducted in the Steelers’ Hall of Honor in December, a nod to the friendship they had throughout their careers.
Former Steelers outside linebacker Joey Porter Sr. called out Roethlisberger and James Harrison on Cam Heyward’s podcast for being critical of the team on his podcast.
“He should never grab a microphone and really talk Steeler business,” Porter said. “If we’re talking Steelers business, his ass is foul of all foul. The (expletive) that he did is foul of all foul. He’s not a good teammate. Won a Super Bowl with him, but the person? He’s just not a good teammate. He knows that. Anybody in the Steeler building knows that. But we protected him because I’ve only won one Super Bowl, and that was my quarterback. So do I love my quarterback? Yeah. But is he a good person? No.”
Harrison and Roethlisberger have openly discussed the inner workings of the Steelers and were not afraid to go after Mike Tomlin, who Porter has been an outspoken supporter of for years despite the maelstrom of criticism he received before stepping down in January.
Harrison revealed a personal conversation he had with Tomlin on one show, which Porter took umbrage to in his comments.
Multiple current and former Steelers have come out in support of Porter’s catching comments on both players, including current Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, who had a notably rocky relationship with Roethlisberger.