In Pittsburgh, loyalty runs deep - especially when it comes to the black and gold. And this week, that loyalty was on full display as former Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey came out swinging in defense of his longtime quarterback and close friend, Ben Roethlisberger.
Pouncey, never one to mince words, took to Instagram with a fiery message aimed at critics of Roethlisberger - some of whom, he says, are coming from inside the Steelers' own extended family.
“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,” Pouncey wrote.
That post wasn’t just about defending a friend - it was a public declaration of brotherhood. Pouncey and Roethlisberger shared more than a decade together in Pittsburgh, anchoring an offense that saw its fair share of highs and heartbreaks. The two were inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor together in December - a fitting tribute to the bond they built on and off the field.
But that unity is being tested. Recent comments from former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter Sr. have stirred the pot, especially regarding Roethlisberger and former teammate James Harrison. Appearing on Cam Heyward’s podcast, Porter didn’t hold back.
“He should never grab a microphone and really talk Steeler business,” Porter said of Roethlisberger. “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.”
Strong words from a man who shared a locker room with Roethlisberger during the team’s Super Bowl run. And it wasn’t just Big Ben in the crosshairs - Porter also took issue with James Harrison, who, like Roethlisberger, has been increasingly candid about the inner workings of the Steelers organization.
Both Roethlisberger and Harrison have used their platforms - particularly Roethlisberger’s podcast - to discuss behind-the-scenes details of their time in Pittsburgh. That includes some pointed commentary about head coach Mike Tomlin, who recently stepped down amid mounting criticism. Porter, a longtime Tomlin supporter, didn’t take kindly to those remarks.
One moment that especially struck a nerve: Harrison sharing a personal conversation he had with Tomlin. For Porter, that crossed a line.
Since Porter’s comments, several current and former Steelers have voiced support for his stance - including quarterback Mason Rudolph, who had a well-documented rocky relationship with Roethlisberger during their time as teammates.
What we’re seeing here isn’t just a war of words. It’s a reflection of a franchise at a crossroads - one where legends are speaking out, friendships are being tested, and the definition of what it means to be a "true Steeler" is being fiercely debated.
For now, Maurkice Pouncey has made his position clear: if you come for Roethlisberger, you’re coming for him too. And in Pittsburgh, that kind of loyalty still matters.