Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Stephen A. Smith Faces ‘Fake’ Allegations From Former Steelers Star

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendan Howe | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 5:20 PM ET

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has long considered himself a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, crediting Franco Harris as the reason. However, former Steelers safety Ryan Clark doesn’t fully believe him.

On Friday’s edition of “First Take,” Smith expressed some concern for the black and gold , who are going up against rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel and the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Clark isn’t sure exactly why Smith is sweating it.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel made his first career start in a Week 5 loss to the Minnesota VikingsKirby Lee-Imagn Images

"This is what I've been talking about. Stephen A. (is) a fake Steeler fan, bruh," Clark said. "I don't get it. It's like one of them people that ... it's always a compliment sandwich of, 'I don't mean no disrespect, I'm finna disrespect you.' How people be like, 'Not to bring up old stuff, but I'm gonna bring up old stuff.' It's always that.

"Why don't you just talk about them winning? Because if you talk about them winning, then you can say, 'OK, this team is 3-1. They're about to face one of the top defenses in football. A defense that's only given up 147 yards passing a game. And, by the way, Megatron plays defensive end for them, and his name is Myles Garrett. How are they gonna protect Aaron Rodgers at the age of 41?' ... Because at 3-1, they are in the hunt."

Clark also explained that the AFC appears to be more up for grabs this season than during the past few. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills suffered their first loss on Sunday night, then the Kansas City Chiefs fell to 2-3 on Monday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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