The Pittsburgh Steelers have a huge fanbase. The organization has been a staple of NFL coverage for over 50 years. With only seven losing seasons since 1970, Pittsburgh is seemingly always competing for a playoff spot. The Steelers faithul turns almost every road game they play into a neutral site affair.
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K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune (K.C. Alfred)
Steelers fans take over Qualcomm
Steelers Fans Travel Miles To Watch Ben Roethlisberger Only To Be Disappointed
Fans of the Steelers who don’t live in Pittsburgh may only get a chance to cheer for the black and gold when they travel to a city near them. If a relatively local venue is not available, fans may have to plan a little further ahead to see the Steelers in person. Especially if they live in a very remote area like Alaska.
Ben Roethlisberger and Spencer T’eo returned to YouTube with the latest edition of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger and the pair did not welcome a guest during episode 30 of the popular podcast for the first time since episode 25. There was, however, a special moment when Roethlisberger recognized some very special fans who were still harboring a little anger for not getting to watch the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
“I need to shout out this letter,” Roethlisberger began. “I’m going to talk about this because we can’t do the beer because we just got it today and it is warm. We don’t want to drink warm beer. We are going to give a shout-out to Wesley Olsen, the grandfather of Cheyenne Sutton. It’s signed Cheyenne Sutton’s grumpy grandfather.”
If you have not watched an episode of the podcast, Roethlisberger, T’eo, and sometimes a guest sample three beers during the program. The beer initially was to be the focus of the podcast, but Roethlisberger’s thoughts on football have taken over the spotlight. The former signal caller’s thoughts on certain NFL-related subjects have caught national attention.
“It’s pretty funny, she sent us in a blueberry ale from Alaska,” Roethlisberger continued. “Basically, he said that his granddaughter, and he came down from Alaska to watch us play. I didn’t play in that game, they had to watch Mason [Rudolph]. They didn’t love that.”
It is hard to imagine the trek from Alaska to Pittsburgh. The two intrepid travelers made their way over 3,000 miles to watch the Steelers play in what was probably a lifetime dream trip. Roethlisberger does not say whether the trip occurred in 2019 or during the Detroit Lions game in 2021 when he was forced to sit out due to the NFL’s COVID-19 restrictions. It is easy to understand their disappointment at being forced to watch the Steelers’ now third-string quarterback, Mason Rudolph.

Photo by CBS Sports
Steelers Mason Rudolph and Mike Tomlin share an exchange
Rudolph has often been the subject of derision since he was drafted in the third round of the 2018 draft. The laughably absurd Myles Garrett accusations and his poor play in 2019 put him at a huge disadvantage. The criticism he leveled at Roethlisberger for not being a better mentor came off as little more than whining.
Rudolph seemed to be headed out of Pittsburgh at the end of the 2022 season, but despite what his ardent fanboys tell you, no one wanted him. Surprisingly, Rudolph has a very vocal minority of loyal fans. However, Mr. Olsen and his granddaughter don’t seem to be among them.

Photograph: Philip G Pavely/USA Today Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) acknowledges the fans after Monday’s win over the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field.
Roethlisberger did not have control over his inability to play in 2019 or 2021. The shout out by name was hopefully a small consolation for their disappointment. The pair don’t seem to have lost their enthusiasm for the Steelers or Roethlisberger based on the time the future Hall of Famer dedicated to thanking them personally.
What do you think Steeler Nation? How would you react if you traveled over three thousand miles to see your favorite team and a star was absent? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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