Steelers Great Ben Roethlisberger Begs For An Offensive Leader To Say: "This Isn’t What It Means To Wear The Black And Gold"

The Pittsburgh Steelers, with their iconic black and gold uniforms, have long been synonymous with a rich tradition of success in the NFL. With six Super Bowl victories and a storied history, the Steeler Way has been a source of pride for the organization and its fans. However, in recent years, there have been questions about whether this cherished tradition is still alive and well within the team.

Former Steelers legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recently shared his thoughts on the state of the Steeler Way Monday on his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. In his candid discussion, he shed light on why he believes the essence of the Steeler tradition has faded away and the moments he felt it coming to an end. Roethlisberger reflected on his departure from the team and highlighted a significant shift in the Steelers' locker room dynamics. He noted that after the retirement of Maurkice Pouncey, a notable void in terms of experienced leadership began to transpire. 

"When I left, I was kind of the last guard there. Pouncey left the year before. I was the last one there. There was such an age gap for me and everyone else on offense. There just wasn’t that Steeler tradition passed down. You have it on defense, don’t get me wrong, but you don’t have it on offense. You are not seeing, in my opinion, the toughness on offense."

Roethlisberger emphasized that while the defensive side of the ball, led by players like TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, still carry the Steeler tradition, the same cannot be said for the offense.

The Need For Offensive Leadership

One of the key points Roethlisberger raised was the absence of strong leadership within the offensive unit. He stressed the importance of having a player step up and remind the team of the rich legacy associated with wearing the black and gold.

"You need someone to stand up in that room on offense and say, 'This isn’t what it means to wear the black and gold. This isn’t what has been handed down from those teams in the 70’s, the Steel Curtain, the four Super Bowls, the Nolls, the Bradshaws, the Blounts.'"

Roethlisberger's words underscored the significance of veterans passing down the values and expectations of the Steelers' storied history to the newer generations of players.

The Battle Over Locker Room Music

Roethlisberger also touched on a seemingly minor, but symbolically significant aspect of the changing culture within the team—the presence of music in the locker room. He revealed that during his tenure, he had been a staunch advocate for keeping the locker room music-free, out of respect for the team's traditions.

"When I got there, there was no music in the locker room. You didn’t blast music in the locker room because I don’t know why, you just didn’t. I was a big stickler on that when I was in there. People were like, 'Oh, guys, Ben is in here; you better shut that music off.' The reason it meant so much to me was because when Dan [Rooney] would walk in that locker room, he didn’t want it on. He might come to your locker and talk to you."

Roethlisberger tried to communicate to his younger teammates the significance of this practice and why he believed it was essential to maintain it. However, despite his efforts, the music continued to play. While Roethlisberger acknowledged that locker room music may not be a major issue, he saw it as a sign of a changing guard and a departure from the traditions he had upheld.

“It felt like this changing of the guard was happening and it just was different.”

Roethlisberger's insights provide a valuable perspective on the evolving culture within the Steelers organization. While change is inevitable in any place, Roethlisberger's observations highlight the importance of preserving cherished traditions and respecting the values that have defined the Steelers for decades.

In the quest for success, it's essential to strike a balance between embracing innovation and maintaining the essence of what makes an organization special. The Steeler Way, forged through decades of excellence, remains a beacon of inspiration for the team and its fans. The Steelers clinched four Super Bowl victories under the guidance of quarterback Terry Bradshaw, upholding this esteemed tradition.

Roethlisberger's words serve as a reminder that tradition and respect should never be underestimated, even in the ever-evolving world of professional football. Until the Steelers regain that offensive tradition and leadership, the ongoing struggles will seemingly persist. 

#SteelerNation