{"id":748519,"date":"2026-02-13T05:15:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T05:15:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/748519\/"},"modified":"2026-02-13T05:15:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T05:15:17","slug":"steelers-maurkice-pouncey-sends-direct-message-to-ben-roethlisberger-haters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/748519\/","title":{"rendered":"Steelers’ Maurkice Pouncey Sends Direct Message To Ben Roethlisberger Haters"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>\u2019 former long-time great quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger<\/a>, was the subject of some strong words from former teammate Joey Porter Sr. on Wednesday. This isn\u2019t the first time Porter has spoken out about Roethlisberger and expressed his dislike for him. However, many Steelers fans seemed to think it was, forgetting that the two had a rift dating back to their time playing together in 2007.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Getty Images<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and center Maurkice Pouncey have an emotional moment together on the bench as they play their last game together.<\/p>\n

Porter called out Roethlisberger<\/a> for being a bad person and said he has no business speaking about Pittsburgh on a microphone. He made these comments to current player and longtime captain Cam Heyward, which made the situation even more awkward. Steeler Nation<\/a> responded with a wide range of opinions, but many fans weren\u2019t happy to see Roethlisberger\u2019s name dragged through the mud. It hurt worse because this was not just anyone, but a former teammate with whom he won a Super Bowl.<\/p>\n

Perhaps the most surprising<\/a> response came from current backup quarterback Mason Rudolph, who played with Roethlisberger. He commented, telling Porter to “go off,” which many speculated was a subtle jab at Roethlisberger. Many Steelers fans were eager to hear what Roethlisberger\u2019s good friend and long-time center, Maurkice Pouncey, would say about the drama. He weighed in on Thursday<\/a> with a strong and aggressive defense of his former quarterback.<\/p>\n

“It’s unbelievable the hate I’ve been seeing from people inside the family!! Especially when we all a call away!! If you against Ben Big F**K YOU, YOU AGAINST ME! CLOUT IS A DISEASE!” Pouncey said on his Instagram Thursday.<\/p>\n

It was upsetting for Steelers fans to see Roethlisberger get slammed by another player they once thought so highly of. Porter is a legend in his own right in Pittsburgh lore, but he is nowhere close to Roethlisberger in terms of the impact he left on the organization. It seems the two simply did not get along, and both clearly said things to each other. It is not fair to side with either without knowing more context.<\/p>\n

What is interesting, however, is that Pouncey said they all have each other\u2019s numbers and are just a call away. Porter going on a podcast with a former Steeler and saying something negative is lousy and irresponsible for a former great who claims he cares about the organization and its future.<\/p>\n

\"Steelers<\/p>\n

Peter Diana \/ Post-Gazette<\/p>\n

Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger looks on while quarterback Mason Rudolph throws the football during practice.<\/p>\n

As for Rudolph\u2019s comments and Porter\u2019s remarks, Roethlisberger will certainly have more to say when he speaks on his podcast, Footbahlin next. This is an interesting story to follow, but it was completely unnecessary and could and should have been resolved decades ago behind closed doors.<\/p>\n

Steelers Organization Shows How Loyalty, History And Friendship Continue To Shape The Human Side Of Football<\/p>\n

This episode of drama in Steeler news is a reminder that even in storied franchises like the Steelers, personal conflicts can spill into the public eye and spark debate. It also shows the complexity of relationships in professional sports, where respect, history, and loyalty often collide with strong opinions.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

NFL Films<\/p>\n

Former Steelers great linebacker Joey Porter Sr. delivers an iconic speech ahead of Super Bowl XL.<\/p>\n

While fans may pick sides, the reality is that players grow, change, and maintain bonds behind the scenes that outsiders rarely see. Pouncey\u2019s comments underscore that friendship and trust endure, even amid public drama. Ultimately, this story reflects the human side of football, where emotion, pride, and camaraderie all play a role in shaping legacies. It will be very revealing to see what other former Steelers players speak out on the drama and which ones turn the other cheek.<\/p>\n

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias<\/a>) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I read and respond.<\/p>\n