One of the best rivalries in the NFL is between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. The Steelers currently have the lead against them with an 80-62-1 record throughout history. Don't let the record fool you. The Browns have come to play at times and given the Steelers a few beatdowns over the years. No matter who wins, it is sure to deliver a hard-nosed and hard-hitting game much like the 1970s. It sometimes may even feature a fight where a Browns player takes the Steelers' quarterback's helmet off and smacks him in the head.
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Quarterback Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers fights with defensive end Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Former Steelers' Players Hatred For The Browns Is Ever-Present
Even though the fight between Mason Rudolph and Myles Garrett is the most famous encounter of the two teams hating each other, there have been plenty of other instances. Most notably, from fan interactions that fuel the fires of the games. But, that is just what comes with being a part of the tough AFC North division.
There is even a hatred for the Browns that comes from past Steelers players. Former Steelers safety, Ryan Clark is yet another example of this. He was recently on an episode of ESPN NFL Live where he commented on a viral video of Browns running back, Nick Chubb squatting over 600 pounds. He would comment saying that what Chubb is doing is being a football thirst trap in a joking manner.
"All he is doing is football thirst trapping. This is all this is. This is for all those people who love him. He's basically taking his shirt off and showing his six-pack. This is a football thirst trap [to show], 'look how strong I am, watch the bar bend.' He's like a coach's freaking dream."
AP Photo/David Richard
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb celebrates after scoring a 92-yard touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Cleveland.
This isn't the first time that Clark has fired shots at current and former Browns' players. Back in April of 2023, he seemed to have a feud with former first-round bust, Brady Quinn. This occurred after Quinn called out first-round draft pick, CJ Stroud, for not showing up to the Manning Academy after he previously said he would. Clark would then attack Quinn and the two would fire back and forth on Twitter.
This is also an example of an analyst not doing his homework ⬆️. There was no shot taken at his character & clearly you don’t know me, my work ethic or integrity. Maybe do the work and listen to the podcast before you start making claims.
— Brady Quinn (@Brady_Quinn) April 20, 2023
Clark has always been critical of the Steelers and has never been scared to call them out, especially when it comes to Head Coach, Mike Tomlin. He called him and said that he had to get the team ready to play and that they aren't good enough to beat good football teams.
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Ryan Clark #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011, in Arlington Texas.
Another brutal back-and-forth attack between a Steelers and Browns player came during the 2023 offseason as well. Wide receiver, George Pickens got into a fight via social media with Martin Emerson Jr. This happened after Pickens made a crazy one-handed catch over Emerson that went viral. Pickens would post a bunch of deleted posts of him catching this ball, as well as tagging him in the pictures. Pickens has shown that he isn't afraid to get into players' faces and has shown shades of Hines Ward.
So, what do you think Steeler Nation? Will we see beef between the Steelers and Browns this season? Let me know in the comments below!
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