former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Made an eye-opening comment about the current signal caller Kenny Pickett during the latest episode of his podcast, Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger.
Pickett appeared as a guest on the podcast episode when Roethlisberger surprisingly admitted that he was rooting against the young quarterback when he first arrived in Pittsburgh.
“I will not say that I want Kenny to fail, but if someone replaces you, I still feel that I am there. I hope he doesn’t ball out, because it’s like, ‘Ben who?'” Roethlisberger said. “As you started playing, I found myself rooting for you more and more.”
Ben Roethlisberger openly admitted to Kenny Pickett that at first he didn’t want to see him succeed in Pittsburgh.
"That’s how selfish I am. I feel bad for this…. 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
Roethlisberger was blunt with Pickett, apologizing for doubting the young quarterback’s ability to step into the starting role for the Steelers.
“Early on I didn’t want him to succeed. He followed me, I don’t want to happen. I think that must be my selfishness, and I feel sad about it. But as it goes on… I’m asking you. I’m excited for you.”
He has since become a fan of the 24-year-old, even revealing that he wears a Pickett jersey every Sunday while watching Steelers games.
The Steelers drafted Pickett with the No. 20th pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. He took over starting quarterback duties as a rookie early in the season, the year after Roethlisberger retired.
Roethlisberger revealed he had some doubts about Pickett early on, but he apologized to the young quarterback for not being a one-day member of the bandwagon.
