Ben Roethlisberger, the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, never misses an opportunity to poke fun at the Cleveland Browns. On a recent appearance on the Deebo & Joe podcast, Roethlisberger quipped about his dominance over the Browns during his career. With a record of 26-3-1 against Cleveland, including postseason play, and an impressive 11-2-1 in their own stadium, it's clear he had their number.
Roethlisberger humorously shared with former teammates James Harrison and Joe Haden that he was jokingly offered naming rights in Cleveland. It's a nod to the Browns' decision not to draft him, a choice that haunted them for almost two decades. Roethlisberger still enjoys ribbing Cleveland about that missed opportunity.
At Pat McAfee’s Big Night AHT event last year, Roethlisberger continued his playful jabs. When McAfee pointed out Roethlisberger's Ohio roots, he quickly corrected him, declaring himself a "yinzer" - a true Pittsburgh native. He went on to joke about owning Cleveland, much to the crowd's delight.
Former Steelers GM Kevin Colbert reflected on the 2004 NFL Draft, where Roethlisberger was selected 11th overall. Colbert noted how fortunate the Steelers were to land Roethlisberger, especially in a draft class featuring fellow future Hall of Famers Eli Manning and Philip Rivers. The Steelers' 6-10 season in 2003 positioned them perfectly to draft Roethlisberger, a move that would prove pivotal for the franchise.
Roethlisberger's humor continued when McAfee asked him a simple math question, to which he cheekily responded, "I’m not from Cleveland-I know how to do math," drawing laughs from the audience.
Roethlisberger's legacy in Pittsburgh is secure, and his playful rivalry with Cleveland adds another layer to his storied career. His on-field success against the Browns is matched only by his off-field banter, making him a beloved figure in Steelers lore.