The Pittsburgh Steelers former Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger got himself into some hot water with Cam Heyward back in July for comments about being players first. Roethlisberger took some not-so-subtle shots that were interpreted by Heyward as criticism of his leadership. The future Hall of Famer clarified his position and he reiterated that he wasn’t criticizing anyone specifically. It was meant to be a broad-stroke comment.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 19: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field on December 19, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
The first episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger in 2023 saw Roethlisberger revisit the subject and he decided to pick up his paintbrush again. The Steelers' all-time leading passer had just finished criticizing NIL and its effect on college football when he decided to go a step further.
“How big a role does personal brand play in the NFL,” Spencer T’eo asked his partner. “Will there ever be a time when personal brand dictates more of team dynamic than skill level?”
“I think this,” Roethlisberger replied. “I think winning is still the ultimate goal for everybody. I pray it is. That being said, I still think the personal brand and the money you can make is closing that gap quickly.”
Roethlisberger was carefully choosing his words and seemed to remember his July clarification where he corrected his earlier statement and that he felt the Steelers were team first guys. He played 18 seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers so his up-close observations, at least in part, have to be based on what he was seeing with younger players. But he walked back the previous statement to clarify it was a general observation.
“I think at the end of the day, for the most part,” Roethlisberger continued. “I’m going to take a championship over anything else. I don’t know it’s that way with everybody anymore. Used to be everybody was like that. I know guys in the Hall of Fame that have never won a Super Bowl that say I’ll take that ring.”
Some notable Hall of Famers like Dan Marino who the Steelers passed on famously, had great careers but could never win the big game. If you thought that you couldn’t feel any worse about Super Bowl XXX imagine having Marino facing down the Dallas Cowboys secondary? Neil O’Donnell wouldn’t be persona non grata in Pittsburgh and the trophy case might have a few more Lombardis in it.
“It’s definitely, definitely, that meter is starting to go the other direction,” Roethlisberger concluded. “To me theres guys out there, that yeah, I want to win. I want to win a Super Bowl, I want to have a ring but I’m the best this or I’m All Pro this. My contract is this. It’s not going anywhere, it’s not changing, it’s going to keep getting bigger.”
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 08: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates his touchdown with Le'Veon Bell #26 in the first quarter during the Wild Card Playoff game against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field on January 8, 2017, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Roethlisberger could be indirectly lamenting the destruction of the Killer B's without naming names. The Le’Veon Bell holdout and his relationship with Antonio Brown devolved by finding JuJu Smith-Schuster as a legitimate alternative target were missed opportunities. He could be just screaming get off my lawn like many former great players do when they retire from their sport.
The Steelers are a different breed and character traits are an essential part of who they bring into the organization. However, there is no denying that since the last time Pittsburgh won a playoff game, they have missed some of those evaluations. They are still bringing in high-motor, great-character players through the draft and free agency but the knucklehead factor is definitely a component of the roster.
Photo Credit: Dayton Daily News
Character matters to the Steelers and they actively seek it, Roethlisberger could be observing what he saw during his late career from the sidelines on other teams. The NFL is chock full of players who seem to be chasing commercials and fame more than a ring.
Times change, the NFL doesn’t guarantee contracts and if younger players have realized that they want to get theirs and get out before they scramble their brains or body parts, it’s hard to begrudge them that opportunity. Frankly, they may be smarter than the warriors who were willing to go out on their shields.
It is probably wrong to criticize them for it, especially with all the scary health incidents that have taken place this season. But we don’t have to like it. Now kindly, get off my lawn.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Do you feel like the Steelers 'teams first' attitude will prevail long term? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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