Eli Rogers Detailed His Controversial Release From Steelers For Ryan Switzer; Blames *** Kissing, Bible Study

Back in 2019, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a wide receiver battle on their hands. The team had an excellent receiving corps with JuJu Smith-Schuster being the primary slot receiver. They also had Diontae Johnson and James Washington. However, the second slot spot was open in camp and it wasn't clear who was going to walk away with it. Ultimately that battle turned ugly with accusations of favoritism coming up. 

The Steelers had picked up Eli Rogers as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He had spent a chunk of his college career at Louisville playing with an injured foot. He had learned to compensate for the injury and was productive. However, he aggravated it during training camp and it required surgery. The Steelers placed him on injured reserve for the season.

He spent the 2016 season building bonds with his teammates including Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell as well as with his quarterback, veteran Ben Roethlisberger. He competed for a spot during camp and was named the fifth receiver at the start of the season. He had an excellent season, as he was ranked 10th among all receivers for his 72.7% catch rate. He had 48 receptions for 594 yards and three touchdowns. 

During 2017, he was once again able to earn a roster spot, this time WR4, in a room full of talent. Not only was Brown back, but Martavis Bryant, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Sammie Coates, and Smith-Schuster were also there. He tore his ACL and it led to the Steelers choosing not to offer him a contract for 2018. 

Despite visiting other teams prior to the 2018 season, he returned to Pittsburgh. He was given a one-year contract, but was placed on the physically unable to perform list as he recovered from that ACL tear. He returned and was given a two-year contract extension in March 2019. This is where the questions began to arise for Rogers as well as many fans. 

Was Steelers WR Eli Rogers Blackballed Over Bible Study?

Entering camp in 2019, Brown was gone, and Smith-Schuster was WR1, with Johnson, Diontae Spencer, and Donte Moncrief all showing they had the ability to be slot receivers as well. This left one spot open, in the famous words of Mike Tomlin, "two dogs, one bone." Those two receivers were Rogers and Ryan Switzer.   

Switzer was picked up during a trade from the then-Oakland Raiders while Rogers was on the PUP list. He joined the team and gave them what they needed in 2018, an extra receiver as well as a punt and kick returner. He was used in much of the same way as Rogers. 

They battled it out that summer for the one remaining roster spot and many people assumed it would go to Rogers. He had been with the team and shown some serious talent when he was healthy. He also statistically performed better than Switzer. That is why so many, including Rogers, were stunned when the Steelers went with Switzer. Rogers still appears to be confused by the decision, taking to Twitter on Thursday to express his feelings. 

"They still haven't told me why they kept him over me. I did everything better than him on the field. That was clear. And I love Ryan Switzer. He's a good guy."

He isn't wrong, he was better than Switzer, in terms of simple stats. Switzer only had 321 total career receiving yards, Rogers had 594 in just 2016. All in all, Rogers was a better wide receiver. The area where he might have been lacking was one that should not have even come into consideration: friendships. 

There is no doubt that Switzer and Roethlisberger became good friends. During the offseason prior to 2019, the COVID epidemic had gyms everywhere closed. Roethlisberger built a huge gym at home so he could keep working out, as he was recovering from an injury. He invited Switzer to his house to work out and catch balls for him. 

The two became very close. It wasn't just football that connected them, religion also played a role. When Switzer and Roethlisberger became friends, Roethlisberger invited the receiver to join a small Christian bible study group he belonged to. While they were praying together, Rogers was at his home alone meditating. 

Rogers began using meditation after his surgery to help improve his mental health. He said that the pain medication as well as not playing football put him in a dark place. Mindfulness exercises helped to put him in a positive place where he was able to express gratitude to God for another day. Did this difference in how these men centered themselves play a role in why Rogers did not get the starting job? There are many who believe that Switzer was "kissing a**" by hanging out with Roethlisberger. 

"Boy I have so many stories about that guy [Switzer] and a** kissing that you are probably right honestly. I was young and didn't understand the game. But that's one thing I wasn't willing to do," tweeted Rogers. 

Rogers continued on Twitter to say that this isn't him badmouthing anyone behind their back. He has respect for Switzer as a husband and a father, but has told him to his face he wasn't happy with how 2019 went down. 

It is frustrating to think that someone did not get a fair chance based on a personal friendship. Switzer didn't do anything earth-shattering in 2019, having only eight receptions for 27 yards and zero touchdowns. I guess he did accumulate another 195 yards between punt and kick returns. 

Meanwhile, after being cut from the Steelers, Rogers went on to play a couple of seasons in the XFL, CFL, and USFL. He is currently a member of the Orlando Guardians.