The Pittsburgh Steelers have had their share of quarterback controversies during the Super Bowl era. Terry Bradshaw battled Terry Hanratty and Joe Gilliam repeatedly early in his career. Bradshaw’s retirement after a one-game return in 1983 against the New York Jets touched off a decades-long quarterback carousel in Pittsburgh in search of the next franchise quarterback. That ride finally ended in 2004 when they brought in Ben Roethlisberger in the 2004 NFL Draft.
(George Bridges / Getty Images)
Ben Roethlisberger (right) replaced Tommy Maddox as the Steelers’ starting quarterback after Maddox suffered an elbow injury two games into the 2004 season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ former franchise quarterback, Roethlisberger came under heavy fire this week for admitting that he was jealous and human. During his Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast, the Steelers’ second Super Bowl-winning quarterback admitted that he was not in Kenny Pickett’s corner early in the process. He came around quickly and was comfortable enough in his skin to apologize to Pickett directly on his podcast.
Steelers Current QB1 Dismisses Controversy About Real Moment With Ben Roethlisberger
The statement and apology touched off what is almost becoming routine with Roethlisberger’s podcast, a firestorm of criticism. The future Hall of Fame quarterback was castigated by national media voices who claim to want the truth. When they get an open and honest admission paired with an in-person apology that was accepted by the classy Pickett, they clutch their pearls and spin stories about how they would handle things differently.
Channel Seven / YouTube
Steelers' Kenny Pickett joined the Footbahlin podcast to talk about stepping into the shoes of Ben Roethlisberger and lots more football talk.
In fairness, Roethlisberger was not completely without support. Pat McAfee on the Monday episode of his popular The Pat McAfee Show expressed support for the former Hall of Fame quarterback and his willingness to admit what many former players feel. McAfee shared his own story about being replaced by Rigoberto Sanchez and how he quickly became a fan of his replacement.
Another surprising voice of support chimed in on Wednesday morning when Mike Florio was on Pro Football Talk in America on Wednesday. During a segment with Chris Simms discussing Pickett’s rise to 25 in his yearly quarterback rankings, Florio took a moment to express his support for the former Steelers signal-caller.
“In a magnanimous moment from Ben Roethlisberger,” Florio stated. “Admitting what I think many former players carry around in them. When you are the most recent great, whether you are part of the great team, you were the great player there is always a level of tension. You want to support the team you played for, but when that team wins a Super Bowl or when that team sprouts a great player at the position you played. I think a lot of guys think that way. I respect Ben Roethlisberger for admitting it.”
Pro Football Talk / NBC sports
Steelers' Kenny Pickett discussed by Mike Florio and Chris Simms on PFT.
Florio’s colleague on the Pro Football Talk segment, Simms lent his support to Roethlisberger as well. Simms played in the NFL for five seasons and started 16 games during that time, including 10 games in 2005 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when he went 6-4 as a starter. Simms endured a horrific injury that caused his spleen to be removed in 2006. He endured a long recovery and missed nearly two seasons before attempting a comeback in 2008 with the Tennessee Titans and in 2009 with the Denver Broncos.
“I do too, I am with you,” Simms agreed. “It’s not wanting your legacy to be forgotten so quickly. It’s cool that Big Ben was cool enough to be honest about that. I’m sure it was mixed emotions for him and his family last year. He was still thinking hey, I could go out there and do that and that is just not easy to deal with. Cool for him for sharing that.”
Simms also saw his very famous father endure the end of what was arguably a Hall of Fame career with the New York Giants. Phil Simms was the Giants ’ quarterback for 14 seasons and he lost 1982 and most of 1983 to injuries. He led the Giants to their first Super Bowl victory in 1986, but was injured late in the season in 1990. He watched Jeff Hostetler lead the team to its second Super Bowl victory. Both father and son transitioned into broadcasting after their playing days were over, so the younger Simms has a unique perspective on what Roethlisberger is feeling.
Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger
Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger.
Florio and Simms’s acknowledgment of Roethlisberger’s attempt to be real and transparent as a genuine gesture is a refreshing respite from the outrage culture that dominates too much of our social media discourse.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Do you agree with Florio and Simms, or are you mad at Roethlisberger for saying the quiet part out loud? Please comment below, or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
