24 May 2023 , 17:39
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett has responded to Ben Roethlisberger admitting that he hoped he failed in his first season as his replacement.
Speaking on his podcast, Roethlisberger stated that he regretfully didn't want to see Pickett succeed - who became the franchise quarterback after being taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
An already beloved figure in the city after playing at the collegiate level for Penn State - who share Acrisure Stadium with the Steelers - Pickett had not been seen as a first-round prospect, with the Steelers showing huge faith in the 23-year-old.
Pickett did not start initially, being behind Mitch Trubisky, but eventually earned the spot some weeks later and never looked back.
Speaking to Pickett on his podcast, Roethlisberger stated that it was tough to watch a new Steelers quarterback who hadn't been him - after he'd been the franchise quarterback for 18 seasons.
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Pickett was asked about those quotes during the Steelers OTA's. He responded by saying: "He's honest. He's out front about it, and he's a fan now and he's pulling for us and it was really cool to hear him say that. I think we're just going to continue to build on that relationship. I'm excited to go into Year 2 with another guy in my corner."
In his quotes, Roethlisberger stated 'I am going to get blasted for this' and that's what has happened by a few. Former Super Bowl winner Michael Robinson criticised 'Big Ben'.
Pickett wasn't at all fazed by the commentsHe said: "Big Ben, man that’s whack bro," he said. "I know it’s human, I get it. But that’s one of those things where you’re like, I’m thinking like that, but those words don’t actually find their way to come out of my mouth and say it at the end of the day. Because you don’t do that to a young quarterback. Ben wouldn’t have wanted to do that to him when he was there."
Although Pickett had a slow start to his career, after throwing three interceptions in his debut. Pickett has still thrown more interceptions than thrown, but made significant steps in the latter stages of his rookie career.
The Steelers will be boosted after a strong off-season, both in free agency and the NFL Draft, as they selected Broderick Jones (LT), Joey Porter Jr (CB), Keeanu Benton (DT) and Darnell Washington (TE), while also signing starting Eagles offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo and Washington Commandes linebacker Cole Holcomb.