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.

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.”

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.

“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.”

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.

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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