Club Shay Shay · Shay Shay Media & Playmaker

Deebo & Joe - Part 1: Big Ben Talks Steelers Offseason, Aaron Rodgers' Future, Favorite Teammates

March 24, 2026·37 min·3 clips

Big Ben admits he intentionally helped Joe Hayden sack him five times in a college game to boost his NFL chances.

Ben Roethlisberger appears on Club Shay Shay hosted by former Steelers linebackers James Harrison (Deebo) and Joe Hayden for a wide-ranging conversation about Pittsburgh's current roster and coaching decisions. The episode opens with a disputed memory from a September 2001 college game between Kent State and Miami of Ohio that was postponed following 9/11 and rescheduled later that fall. Deebo claims he sacked Big Ben five times in that game; Ben firmly says it was only twice, and both men argue their case with the conviction of people who have been telling their version for two decades. The banter establishes the easy chemistry between three former NFL players who share mutual respect and trash-talking fluency. On the coaching hire, Ben says he originally hoped Pittsburgh would bring in an offensive-minded head coach who could develop Russell Wilson or another QB. When Mike McCarthy was announced, Ben was skeptical. His view shifted after watching McCarthy's introductory press conference, where McCarthy became visibly emotional talking about his Pittsburgh roots and what the franchise means to him. Ben says authenticity matters in a head coach and McCarthy's emotion felt genuine rather than performed. On the receiver corps, Ben calls Michael Pittman Jr. the most significant addition. He describes Pittman as a reliable, contested-catch receiver who gives Pittsburgh a true WR2 alongside DK Metcalf — something the team has lacked. He notes that defenses will no longer be able to bracket DK when Pittman is on the field. Ben praises Jalen Ramsey but with a caveat: Ramsey is best deployed in the slot at this stage of his career and should not be asked to cover outside against elite speed receivers. He also mentions the safety addition of Briscoe as solid depth. On the quarterback situation, Ben says he believes Aaron Rodgers will return to play in 2025 and that the Steelers should know before the draft. If Rodgers commits, Pittsburgh can draft for other needs. If not, Ben says the franchise should trust Will Howard, build the offensive line, and not reach for a quarterback in the first round at pick 21. He recommends taking the best offensive lineman available at 21 regardless of other factors. Ben discusses Joey Porter Jr. as a cornerback with elite physical tools who needs to refine his technique to translate that athleticism into consistent coverage wins. The conversation is warm and bantering throughout, with Harrison and Hayden frequently pushing back on Ben's football opinions with their own perspectives as former defensive players. The episode is fan-service for Steelers followers who want insider analysis delivered in a locker-room register.

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