Steelers Legend Defends Ben Roethlisberger Against Critics

Maurkice Pouncey fires back at those 'against' his longtime QB and friend

Feb. 13, 2026 at 8:23pm

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Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey has come to the defense of his longtime quarterback and best friend Ben Roethlisberger, saying that anyone who is against Roethlisberger is also against Pouncey himself. Pouncey's scathing Instagram post was in response to critical comments made about Roethlisberger by former Steelers player Joey Porter Sr.

Why it matters

The relationship between Roethlisberger and his former teammates has been a topic of discussion for years, with some players criticizing his leadership and character. Pouncey's strong defense of Roethlisberger highlights the ongoing tensions within the Steelers organization and the loyalty some players still have towards the star quarterback.

The details

In his Instagram post, Pouncey wrote: 'It's unbelievable the hate I've been seeing from people inside the family!! Especially when we all a call away! If you against Big Ben (expletive) YOU, YOU AGAINST ME! CLOUT IS A DISEASE! #1love.' Porter had previously called out Roethlisberger and James Harrison on a podcast, saying Roethlisberger 'is not a good teammate' and that 'the (expletive) that he did is foul of all foul.' Multiple current and former Steelers players have supported Porter's comments, including quarterback Mason Rudolph, who had a rocky relationship with Roethlisberger.

  • Pouncey and Roethlisberger were each inducted into the Steelers' Hall of Honor in December 2025.

The players

Maurkice Pouncey

A legendary Pittsburgh Steelers center who was inducted into the team's Hall of Honor alongside Ben Roethlisberger in 2025, and is a longtime friend and supporter of the quarterback.

Ben Roethlisberger

The star quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has faced criticism from some former teammates over his leadership and character.

Joey Porter Sr.

A former Steelers outside linebacker who has been an outspoken critic of Roethlisberger, calling him out on a podcast for not being a good teammate.

James Harrison

A former Steelers linebacker who, along with Roethlisberger, has openly discussed the inner workings of the team and been critical of head coach Mike Tomlin.

Mason Rudolph

The current Steelers quarterback who has had a notably rocky relationship with Roethlisberger and has supported the critical comments made by former players.

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What they’re saying

“It's unbelievable the hate I've been seeing from people inside the family!! Especially when we all a call away! If you against Big Ben (expletive) YOU, YOU AGAINST ME! CLOUT IS A DISEASE! #1love”

— Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers Center (Instagram)

“He should never grab a microphone and really talk Steeler business. If we're talking Steelers business, his ass is foul of all foul. The (expletive) that he did is foul of all foul. He's not a good teammate. Won a Super Bowl with him, but the person? He's just not a good teammate. He knows that. Anybody in the Steeler building knows that. But we protected him because I've only won one Super Bowl, and that was my quarterback. So do I love my quarterback? Yeah. But is he a good person? No.”

— Joey Porter Sr., Former Steelers Linebacker (Cam Heyward's Podcast)

The takeaway

The ongoing tensions between Roethlisberger and some of his former Steelers teammates highlight the complex dynamics within professional sports teams, where personal relationships and perceptions of character can often overshadow on-field success. Pouncey's staunch defense of his longtime friend and quarterback underscores the loyalty that still exists between certain players, even as others remain critical of Roethlisberger's leadership and conduct.