"Shut Your Mouth Up": Steelers Great James Harrison Receives Explosive Response From Teammate

The Pittsburgh Steelers have felt more like a reality TV show as of late, but the drama is not coming from the current roster. Instead, it has been driven by the voices of former players, most notably James Harrison and Joey Porter Sr., who have been increasingly public with their criticism of sensitive topics surrounding the organization. Their comments have sparked constant debate among fans and kept old storylines alive long after their playing days ended.

Porter recently took things to another level when he unloaded on Ben Roethlisberger, calling him "foul of all foul," a bad teammate, and a bad person. The harsh remarks quickly spread across social media and Steelers circles, reigniting long standing discussions about locker room dynamics during Pittsburgh’s previous era of success. The blunt nature of Porter’s comments caught attention even among fans who are accustomed to former players speaking their minds.

Harrison, meanwhile, has been openly critical of former head coach Mike Tomlin for quite some time. With Tomlin stepping away after the 2025 season and Mike McCarthy now at the helm, Harrison’s hot takes have only intensified and continued to generate headlines. Those comments recently drew a response from his former teammate Zach Banner, who revealed on social media that he sent Harrison a brutal message directly addressing his remarks about Tomlin.

"And to James Harrison, a guy that I stole from," Banner said while speaking on Monday night. "I stole that grey sweatsuit look in the weight room because he used to wear it when he was playing. Someone who I used to literally look up to, not in real life because he's six foot, but on the camera. Let me bring the camera just down to your level so you would understand this."

Banner was quick to articulate that he once held deep admiration for Harrison during their time as teammates. However, that sentiment has since shifted. 

Speaking directly to the camera, Banner made it clear what message he wanted to send to Harrison regarding his ongoing comments about Tomlin and the direction of the organization.

"This right here is not only your perspective of me when you see me in person, my buff little friend," Banner said with the camera beneath him. "But what I think of your opinions at all when it comes to Mike Tomlin. You and your energy belong in spaces like the WWE, celebrity boxing matches. I could even see you being a little clay action figure on Celebrity Deathmatch or maybe even South Park. I don't know, but my point is this: shut your mouth up about Coach T. Thanks guys."

Two Decade Old Ex-Steelers Drama Continues To Unfold

Ultimately, Harrison’s frustration with Tomlin appears rooted in his belief that Tomlin was not honest with him during their time together in Pittsburgh. That rift helped lead Harrison to continue his career with the New England Patriots and the Cincinnati Bengals, two of the Steelers’ most bitter rivals, a move that still rubs many fans the wrong way. 

Harrison has never been shy about sharing his opinions, but many former Steelers feel those conversations should have remained in the locker room, not played out publicly years later. It's clear where Banner stands on the matter.

Harrison’s outspoken criticism of Tomlin and the Steelers has sparked controversy, leaving many former players and fans frustrated. Ultimately, airing these old locker room grievances only fuels debate and casts a shadow over the team’s legacy.

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