Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger sends subtle warning to AFC North rival

The AFC North is one of the NFL’s most intense and historic divisions, known for its fierce rivalries. Over the years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have played a major role in fueling those battles — and legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made that clear with a subtle jab at one of their longtime foes.

If there’s one rival that the former two-time Super Bowl champion knew how to handle throughout his career, it’s the Cleveland Browns. Roethlisberger went 26-3-1 against them during his time in the NFL — a record that gives him plenty of credibility when weighing in on matters involving this team.

During a recent conversation with new Steelers rookies Will Howard and Jack Sawyer, Big Ben drew a comparison between the Pittsburgh-Cleveland rivalry and the college football showdown between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions.

“It’s the little brother,” Roethlisberger said. History backs up the quarterback’s statement. While his team has hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy multiple times, the Browns have yet to win a single Super Bowl.

Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass during the second half of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Shedeur lands with the Browns, not the Steelers

Shedeur Sanders was one of the biggest storylines of the latest NFL Draft, largely due to his unexpected slide down the board. While many believed he could end up with Mike Tomlin’s Steelers as a potential successor to Russell Wilson, the former Colorado Buffalo instead landed with one of Pittsburgh’s fiercest division rivals.

see also

NFL News: Mike Tomlin and Steelers are reportedly in a very complicated situation with Aaron Rodgers

Roethlisberger remains a respected voice when it comes to matters involving his former team, and he didn’t hold back when explaining why the Steelers passed on Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 Draft.

“I think that this draft feels like: ‘We maybe haven’t been physical stopping the run. Let’s address that.’ Defensive tackle first, edge rusher, nose tackle. We went heavy defense. Let’s stop the run. Let’s show physicality,” Big Ben stated.

The Aaron Rodgers situation

Aaron Rodgers has yet to make a decision about his future, and Ben Roethlisberger has issued a strong warning to Mike Tomlin and the Steelers regarding the unfolding saga.

“At some point, they need to set a deadline. Because, at some point, Aaron needs to start learning the offense and get with the guys. What is the cutoff date? I don’t know. Only coach Tomlin, Mr. Rooney and Omar Khan know that,” the former Super Bowl champion stated during his Footbahlin podcast.