Steelers Family Feud: Maurkice Pouncey Defends Roethlisberger Amid Joey Porter Criticism
There’s no shortage of pride when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers and their legacy, but lately, that pride has turned into public tension among some of the franchise’s most recognizable names. Former center Maurkice Pouncey has stepped into the fray, making his stance crystal clear in defense of his longtime quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger.
Pouncey, one of Roethlisberger’s closest allies during their time in Pittsburgh, took to Instagram with a fiery message aimed at those criticizing Big Ben - especially those from within the Steelers family.
“It’s unbelievable the hate I’ve been seeing from people inside the family!! Especially when we all a call away!”
Pouncey wrote. “If you against Big Ben F*** YOU, YOU AGAINST ME!
CLOUT IS A DISEASE! #1love.”
That message wasn’t subtle - and it wasn’t meant to be. Pouncey, Roethlisberger, and former linebacker Joey Porter were all inducted into the Steelers’ Hall of Honor this past December, a celebration of their contributions to one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. But the good vibes from that ceremony have clearly worn off.
Porter, appearing on Cam Heyward’s podcast, didn’t hold back when discussing Roethlisberger’s recent public criticism of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Porter took issue with what he sees as Roethlisberger - along with fellow former Steeler James Harrison - taking shots at the organization from the outside.
And Porter didn’t mince words.
“The s*** that [Roethlisberger] do that we don’t talk about, is crazy,” Porter said. “Out of anybody that talk, he should never grab a microphone and talk Steelers business. Because if we talking Steelers business, his ass is foul of all foul.”
Porter went on to call Roethlisberger a bad teammate and questioned his character, even while acknowledging their shared Super Bowl title.
“Is he a good person? No,” Porter said.
“He knows that. Anybody in the Steelers building knows that.”
That statement opened the floodgates. Several former Steelers chimed in, and many echoed Porter’s sentiments.
Quarterback Mason Rudolph - who had a famously icy relationship with Roethlisberger after being drafted in 2018 - responded to the podcast clip with a pointed comment: “Go off @jportersr55 🎯.” It’s no secret that Roethlisberger wasn’t thrilled with the team using a third-round pick on Rudolph, and he made little effort to mentor the young QB during their time together.
Former safety Mike Mitchell added, “Peezy talk that talk,” while ex-offensive tackle Mike Adams said, “Amen! Hold them boys accountable Ben talkin s*** about anybody is comical…”
The chorus didn’t stop there. Offensive linemen Kevin Dotson and Kendrick Green also responded - Dotson with exclamation points, Green with a simple “real lol.” Former cornerback Ike Taylor and guard Ramon Foster signaled their agreement by liking the post.
It’s rare to see this level of public friction among former teammates, especially from a franchise that prides itself on continuity and loyalty. But this isn’t just about football - it’s about relationships, leadership, and legacy.
Roethlisberger’s tenure in Pittsburgh was filled with wins, records, and two Super Bowl rings. But it wasn’t without controversy. Now, as the dust settles on his career, the conversations around his leadership style and locker room presence are resurfacing - and they’re coming from those who shared the field with him.
Pouncey’s defense of Roethlisberger shows the quarterback still has loyal allies. But the growing list of former teammates siding with Porter suggests there’s more to this story - and that the wounds might run deeper than fans ever realized.
In Pittsburgh, the standard is the standard. But when it comes to how former players view one another, that standard is clearly up for debate.