Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. Opens Up About The Deep Hatred He Feels For The Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a big-time chance slip from them in Week 17 when they lost to the Cleveland Browns 13-6. For Pittsburgh, this was an opportunity to wrap up the AFC North, but they faced adversity without TJ Watt and star wide receiver DK Metcalf. Metcalf’s absence came after an altercation with a Detroit Lions fan that earned him a two-game suspension at the worst possible time. His absence was felt immediately as the Steelers’ offense, led by Aaron Rodgers, failed to find the end zone in Cleveland.

Now Pittsburgh faces a must-win scenario against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 to claim the division title and secure their postseason spot. The pressure is on and the team will need every weapon they can get to overcome their rivals. Rodgers and the offense must find a way to perform without Metcalf while the defense steps up in key moments to keep the Ravens in check. This game carries not only playoff implications but also a heavy dose of rivalry pride as the Steelers look to assert themselves in one of the NFL’s fiercest matchups.

Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has a long history of hating the Ravens, a feeling that dates back to his childhood watching his father, Joey Porter Sr., compete in the legendary rivalry games. Speaking with the media ahead of the showdown, Porter Jr. made it clear just how much he despises Baltimore, framing the game as more than just a battle for playoff positioning. For Porter Jr. and for Pittsburgh, this Week 18 clash is personal and the Steelers will be looking to channel that intensity as they fight for a chance to advance in the postseason.

"Ever since I was little," Porter Jr. said. "Whenever my dad had the rivalry, I never really liked those guys. It is either the Steelers or nobody, that is how I look at it. If you are on the opposite side, than obviously we can't be on the same side. I feel like I have always had that rivalry with them and now I have my own rivalry and my own beef and vendetta versus them that we got to sort out. So it's a good thing that I get to be part of."

Porter was asked about the Week 17 loss to the Browns, a game in which the Steelers had a chance to clinch the AFC North. 

He was open and honest about the frustrations the team faced after that defeat, but emphasized that they remain focused on what is still in front of them and within their control.

"I mean I feel like everybody wanted that," Porter Jr. said. "I mean we are mad about what happened last week obviously, but it's the new year so... Ravens versus Steelers at home for the hats and the shirts. Who wouldn't want that? You know this is an entertainment type league and that is entertaining. I am gonna be excited for it. Everybody in here is excited for it so we are going to be ready."

The Steelers’ 2025 season has been full of highs quickly followed by lows, and the loss to the Browns was especially upsetting. 

Now the team is looking to put that setback behind them and focus on what is directly in front of them, a chance to make the playoffs and sweep the Ravens this season.

Steelers Must Execute At A High Level In Week 18

All eyes will be on the Steelers’ offense and defense in this critical matchup. The Ravens are getting star quarterback Lamar Jackson back and have seen their running game, led by Derrick Henry, dominate in recent weeks. 

Pittsburgh will need to execute at a high level on both sides of the ball if they hope to secure the division and punch their ticket to the postseason.

Will the Steelers beat the Ravens in Week 18? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

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