Ex-Steelers Star Defends Roethlisberger After 'Pure-Out Attack' by Porter

James Harrison disputes Joey Porter's criticism of former teammate Ben Roethlisberger's character and leadership.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison has defended his ex-teammate Ben Roethlisberger after Roethlisberger was harshly criticized by another former Steeler, Joey Porter. Porter had accused Roethlisberger of being "just not a good teammate" and a poor person, but Harrison disputed those claims, saying Roethlisberger has matured over time and that Porter's comments were a "pure-out attack" on Roethlisberger's character.

Why it matters

The dispute between the former Steelers players highlights ongoing tensions and disagreements within the team's locker room culture, even years after their playing days. Roethlisberger's leadership and character have long been debated, and this latest public clash adds to the scrutiny around the former star quarterback.

The details

Harrison, who played with Roethlisberger from 2004-2012 and 2014-2017, said on his podcast that he "do[es] not think Ben is a bad teammate." He acknowledged that Roethlisberger's ego may have impacted his early career, but said he has "matured and grown up" over time. Porter had specifically criticized Roethlisberger for refusing to sign gear for teammates, but Harrison defended his former QB, saying "[Roethlisberger's] ego and give[s] me delusions of grandeur. But over time, [Roethlisberger] has matured and grown up."

  • Harrison and Roethlisberger were teammates on the Steelers from 2004-2012 and 2014-2017.

The players

James Harrison

A former linebacker who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2002-2017 and was teammates with Ben Roethlisberger.

Ben Roethlisberger

The former quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who played for the team from 2004-2025 and is the subject of criticism from former teammate Joey Porter.

Joey Porter Sr.

A former linebacker who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1999-2006 and has publicly criticized his former teammate Ben Roethlisberger.

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What they’re saying

“I do not think Ben is a bad teammate.”

— James Harrison, Former Steelers Linebacker (Deebo and Joe Podcast)

“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 (Deebo and Joe Podcast)

“Hell yeah, that's going to stroke my ego and give me delusions of grandeur. But over time, [Roethlisberger] has matured and grown up.”

— James Harrison, Former Steelers Linebacker (Deebo and Joe Podcast)

The takeaway

This dispute between former Steelers players highlights the ongoing tensions and disagreements within the team's locker room culture, even years after their playing days. Roethlisberger's leadership and character have long been debated, and this latest public clash adds to the scrutiny around the former star quarterback.