Joey Porter Slams Ben Roethlisberger: ‘Not a Good Teammate or Person’
By [Your Name] | Published: February 11, 2026
PITTSBURGH — Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker and franchise standout Joey Porter Sr. ignited fresh controversy Wednesday by openly criticizing longtime Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, calling him “not a good teammate” and questioning his right to comment on team affairs.
Porter, who spent eight seasons in Pittsburgh as a player and later served on the coaching staff, delivered his remarks during an appearance on Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, a podcast hosted by current Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward.
Sharp Words From a Former Teammate
Reflecting on his shared time with Roethlisberger — drafted by Pittsburgh in 2004 and the starter for two Super Bowl runs — Porter acknowledged their success but painted a starkly negative portrait of his former teammate’s character and locker room presence. “Seven definitely broke the brotherhood,” Porter said, using Roethlisberger’s nickname. “He’s not a good teammate. Won a Super Bowl with him, but a person? No.”
Porter argued that Roethlisberger’s actions while with the team — which he did not fully detail — were damaging and should disqualify him from speaking publicly about Steelers business. “Out of anybody that should talk, he should never grab a microphone and really talk Steelers business,” Porter said. “Because if we’re talking Steelers business, his ass is foul of all foul.”
Porter’s comments were emphatic but complex: he said he still loves the quarterback who helped him win a Super Bowl, yet insisted that respect for on-field success does not erase what he views as interpersonal shortcomings.
Locker Room Tensions Revisited
Porter cited moments from Roethlisberger’s early years that, in his view, illustrated a lack of engagement with teammates. One example was Roethlisberger’s refusal as a rookie to sign autographs for teammates’ family members — a task veteran players traditionally embraced.
Critics of the podcast segment noted that the remarks come during a period of broader discussion about the Steelers’ identity and leadership. Roethlisberger, who retired after 18 NFL seasons and entered the Steelers Hall of Honor in 2025, has become a vocal media presence through his own podcast and commentary on team affairs.
His post-retirement commentary has drawn mixed reactions among fans and former players, especially amid organizational changes — including the departure of long-time head coach Mike Tomlin and the arrival of Mike McCarthy as his successor.
Reactions and Fallout
Porter’s blunt assessment has sparked widespread reaction. Some former Steelers teammates and current players appeared to affirm his perspective on social media, while others have urged restraint and called for focus on the team’s future.
Roethlisberger has not publicly responded to Porter’s latest comments, though he has in the past addressed notions of his leadership style and personal growth in interviews and on his own podcast.
Legacy Under Scrutiny
Roethlisberger’s career accomplishments with the Steelers are undeniable: two Super Bowl victories, numerous franchise passing records, and a place among the most celebrated quarterbacks in team history. Yet Porter’s remarks underscore that legacy in professional sports is not measured solely by wins and accolades, but also by how players are remembered within the locker room and broader community.
As the Steelers navigate a new era, debates about leadership, culture, and representation continue to swirl — with voices from the past like Porter’s refusing to be silent.
