By ETT 
In an uncharacteristic show of trash talk, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took a dig at Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson ahead of their upcoming playoff clash with the Baltimore Ravens.
“I don’t know if he’s the real deal or not,” Roethlisberger said of Wilson. “He’s done a lot of good things in his career, but we’ll see what he’s made of.”
Wilson, who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013, joined the Broncos in 2022 but has struggled this season. The Broncos finished the regular season with a 5-12 record, their worst since 2010.
Wilson responded to Roethlisberger’s remarks with a mix of frustration and amusement.
“I don’t know what to say to that,” Wilson said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Ben, but I’m not going to get into a war of words with him. We’re going to let our play on the field do the talking.”
Roethlisberger’s comments have sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. Some have praised him for his competitive spirit, while others have criticized him for lack of respect and unprofessionalism.
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky said that Roethlisberger’s comments were “unnecessary” and “unprofessional.”
“I think it’s a bad look for Ben,” Orlovsky said. “He’s a future Hall of Famer, and he should be above this kind of stuff.”
On the other hand, former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward defended Roethlisberger’s right to voice his opinion.
“Ben is a competitor,” Ward said. “He’s not going to back down from anyone. I don’t think it’s a big deal.”
No matter how you feel about Roethlisberger’s comments, there’s no doubt that they will add an extra layer of intrigue to the Steelers-Broncos playoff game. Both teams are desperate for a win, and Wilson will be eager to prove Roethlisberger wrong.
The game is scheduled for Sunday, January 15, at 5:15 PM ET on NBC.
Ben Roethlisberger’s comments about Russell Wilson have stirred up a hornet’s nest of controversy. Whether you agree with his assessment or not, there’s no denying that they have added an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming Steelers-Broncos playoff game.
The game is sure to be a battle between two proud and storied franchises, and Wilson will be eager to prove that he is, in fact, “the real deal.”
