At First Ben Roethlisberger Didn’t Want Kenny Pickett To Be A Successful Quarterback
During the most recent episode of his podcast, Football With Ben Roethlisberger, the former quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers made a startling statement regarding current quarterback Kenny Pickett.
When Roethlisberger shockingly confessed that he was cheering against the rookie quarterback when he initially came in Pittsburgh, Pickett was appearing as a guest on the podcast episode.
At First Ben Roethlisberger Didn’t Want Kenny Pickett To Be A Successful Quarterback
After the 2021 season, Roethlisberger formally put his shoes away. He finished his career with 166 victories, two Super Bowl triumphs, six Pro Bowl appearances, and the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2004.
Ben Roethlisberger openly admitted to Kenny Pickett that he initially didn't want to see him succeed in Pittsburgh.
"That's the selfishness of me. I feel bad for it…. I think you are the future of this team. I'm excited for you."
(via Channel Seven YT)pic.twitter.com/fcByqeWuQ5
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 22, 2023
But once Roethlisberger announced his retirement, Pittsburgh was forced to start again in the most crucial area. But on the podcast,” with Pickett as a special guest, Roethlisberger said his true thoughts about his successor leading the offence.
“I’m going to be sure transparent about this. I’m going to get blasted, I probably shouldn’t say this,” Roethlisberger said. “Early on, I didn’t want you to succeed. … That’s selfishness in me, and I feel sorry for that.”
OH WOW: #NFL and #Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger admits on his ‘Footbahlin’ Podcast he wasn't rooting for Pittsburgh 2021 first round selection, quaterback Kenny Pickett early last season:
“I’m gonna be sure transparent about this. I’m gonna get blasted, I probably shouldn’t… pic.twitter.com/E8aRGCXwF7
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 21, 2023
However, the young QB shown enough positive signs to inspire hope that the Steelers will advance in 2023 thanks to improvements on the offensive line and quality at the skill spots.
Big Ben said that he knew little about Pickett’s game before to watching the quarterback play on Sunday, which is a subliminal admission that the majority of NFL players, both past and present, aren’t exactly draft snobs.
Ben Roethlisberger admits he initially didn't want Kenny Pickett to succeed when he took over as starter. But he apologized for those feelings.
"I didn’t want him to succeed because they followed me up…I think you’re the future of this team."https://t.co/tHRl3IDMr2
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) May 21, 2023
“Like I just didn’t know. I had no idea,” Roethlisberger said of Pickett’s game. “I didn’t know that you were the runner that you were. I just didn’t know what was gonna happen. I wasn’t aware, and I was pleasantly surprised. I’m glad that I was wrong in the sense of where I had you. I thought you’d be a quarterback that was good, that was gonna come in. I think you’re the future of this team. I really do. The fans are lucky they got you.”
Ben Roethlisberger Still Doesn’t Believe Kenny Pickett TD Pass Against Ravens Was Intended For Najee Harris #Steelers #Pittsburgh #NFL https://t.co/HRcnuilBIF pic.twitter.com/UGOQ4k4JNF
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) May 22, 2023
Since then, he has grown to admire the 24-year-old, confessing that he now wears a Chris Pickett jersey every Sunday to watch the Steelers play.
Ben Roethlisberger admits he wasn’t rooting for Kenny Pickett early #Steelers #NFL https://t.co/AguQGwqlO0
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) May 21, 2023
In the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected Pickett with the 20th overall pick. The season after Roethlisberger’s retirement, he took over as the starting quarterback as a rookie early on.
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