More former Steelers players defend Ben Roethlisberger after fiery Joey Porter Sr. comments

Shortly after former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Joey Porter Sr. controversially suggested that Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger was "not a good teammate" and not "a good person," former Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey shared a passionate and not-safe-for-work defense of Roethlisberger on Instagram. 

During the latest edition of the "Deebo and Joe" podcast, former Steelers defensive star James Harrison accused Porter of breaking "the brotherhood" amid what's become quite a dramatic offseason for the organization.

Ben Roethlisberger matured, grew up during Steelers tenure

"[Roethlisberger] could be an a------," Harrison acknowledged, per Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "That's facts. He became the youngest quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl. Hell yeah, that's gonna stroke my ego. But over time, he has matured and grown up." 

The Steelers made Roethlisberger the 11th overall pick of the 2004 NFL Draft, and he first guided the franchise to a Super Bowl title in February 2006. He later faced sexual assault allegations in 2009 that ultimately earned him a suspension and reportedly caused the Steelers to nearly trade him to the San Francisco 49ers. Roethlisberger instead played only for the Steelers through the 2021 season, and he retired as a two-time Super Bowl champion.

Former Steelers OL on Ben Roethlisberger comments: Negativity sells

Offensive lineman David DeCastro protected Roethlisberger throughout DeCastro's career (2012-20). During a Monday appearance on Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, DeCastro also voiced support for his former QB1.

"Everyone's entitled to their own opinion," DeCastro said, according to Jake Brockhoff of Steelers Depot. "I guess negativity seems to sell these days. I always, I loved playing with Ben, for Ben. Protecting him, you know, was a big, big task. Ben, I just love his whole, his energy. I mean, Ben's the ultimate competitor, no matter what it is. You miss getting those juices flowing, having a guy like that. That's what you need as a quarterback. That energy, that will, that want to win. It was contagious."

McCorkle mentioned in a previous post that several of Roethlisberger's former teammates seemed to back Porter's comments via different reactions. Roethlisberger could become a first-ballot Hall of Famer next year, and it seems as if numerous individuals associated with the Steelers will have plenty to say about his candidacy over the next 11 months.