Joey Porter Criticizes Former Teammate Ben Roethlisberger
Joey Porter, a former player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has made serious allegations against his ex-teammate, Ben Roethlisberger. In a recent interview with current Steeler Cam Heyward, Porter stated that Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl champion, was not well-liked among teammates. He claimed that Roethlisberger “broke the brotherhood” within the team.
Porter’s Critique of Roethlisberger
Porter’s comments came during an episode of “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward.” He described Roethlisberger’s behavior as “crazy” and “foul of all foul.” Despite having won a Super Bowl with Roethlisberger, Porter expressed doubts about his character, stating, “Do I love my quarterback? Yeah, but is he a good person? No.”
Specific Incidents
Porter did not elaborate on all the reasons for his discomfort with Roethlisberger but mentioned a notable incident involving former defensive lineman Aaron Smith. Smith requested a signed item from Roethlisberger when he was a rookie, but Roethlisberger declined. This incident reportedly led to a team meeting.
“So how do you think that monster turned into once all of the vets was gone?” Porter questioned, implying that Roethlisberger’s demeanor worsened over time.
Reaction from Former Teammates
The remarks have resonated with other former Steelers players. Backup quarterback Mason Rudolph expressed support on Instagram, highlighting Porter’s comments. Former safety Mike Mitchell and offensive lineman Mike Adams also weighed in, praising Porter for holding Roethlisberger accountable.
Roethlisberger’s Leadership Qualities
Porter suggested that Roethlisberger was not seen as a leader within the team. “If he wasn’t a captain, he’d probably have a hissy fit,” he remarked. He noted that players were reluctant to vote for Roethlisberger as captain due to his lack of what Porter called “captain qualities.”
Recent Developments
In December 2022, Roethlisberger made controversial comments suggesting that the Steelers should “clean house” and potentially move on from head coach Mike Tomlin. While he later attempted to walk back those statements, the impact on his relationship with teammates, including Porter, appears to be significant.
As Roethlisberger prepares for potential Hall of Fame recognition next year, the discourse surrounding his legacy, particularly in relation to team dynamics and leadership, continues to evolve.
