Harrison Defends Roethlisberger After Porter's Viral Criticism

Former Steelers linebacker James Harrison pushes back on Joey Porter Sr.'s scathing comments about ex-QB Ben Roethlisberger.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 6:15pm

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James Harrison has come to the defense of former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, pushing back against recent viral comments from ex-Steelers player Joey Porter Sr. who called Roethlisberger "not a good teammate" and said he "broke the brotherhood." Harrison argued that Porter's criticism was a "pure-out attack" on Roethlisberger's character, while Roethlisberger's own comments about former head coach Mike Tomlin were simply an opinion, not a betrayal of the team.

Why it matters

The comments from Porter and Harrison shed light on the complex dynamics and lingering tensions within the Steelers organization, particularly around Roethlisberger's legacy and leadership during his 17-year career in Pittsburgh. As a two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback, Roethlisberger's place in Steelers history is secure, but the debate over his character and impact as a teammate continues.

The details

In a recent podcast appearance, Harrison defended Roethlisberger, arguing that Porter's criticism was an "attack on his character" that went "way harder" than Roethlisberger's own comments about former head coach Mike Tomlin. Harrison said Roethlisberger simply stated an opinion that Tomlin should "move on," while Porter's comments represented a betrayal of the "Steeler brotherhood." Porter had previously told The Athletic that Roethlisberger "broke the brotherhood" and was "not a good teammate," despite the two winning a Super Bowl together.

  • Roethlisberger played for the Steelers from 2004 to 2021.
  • Tomlin resigned as Steelers head coach at the end of the 2025 season.
  • Harrison and Porter's comments were made in February 2026.

The players

Ben Roethlisberger

A former NFL quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2004 to 2021, winning two Super Bowls and making six Pro Bowls during his career.

James Harrison

A former NFL linebacker who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2002 to 2013 and 2017, winning two Super Bowls with the team.

Joey Porter Sr.

A former NFL linebacker who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1999 to 2006, winning one Super Bowl with the team.

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who resigned from the position at the end of the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“That was a pure-out attack on Ben's character, and what I said about Mike was an attack on his coaching. Two different things. That's more breaking the brotherhood than what Ben said. Ben said, 'I think I feel like maybe Tomlin should move on.' Like, come on, bruh. That's what he said.”

— James Harrison, Former Steelers Linebacker (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

“He broke the brotherhood. 'Seven' definitely broke the brotherhood. The 'Seven Dude' that did, that we don't talk about, is crazy. (If anybody) should talk; he should never grab a microphone and really talk Steeler business. Because if we talking Steeler business, his ass is foul of all foul.”

— Joey Porter Sr., Former Steelers Linebacker (The Athletic)

“(Ben Roethlisberger is) not a good teammate. Won a Super Bowl with him, but the person, he's just not a good teammate. Like, 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 (The Athletic)

What’s next

The debate over Roethlisberger's legacy and character is likely to continue, with former teammates and coaches weighing in on his tenure with the Steelers.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex and sometimes contentious relationships between players, even among those who won championships together. It also underscores the enduring impact that star quarterbacks can have on an organization, both positively and negatively, long after their playing days are over.