Ben Roethlisberger Admits He Initially Wanted Kenny Pickett to Struggle With Steelers

Roethlisberger admitted to Pickett that he wasn’t always a believer in his abilities.

Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made an eye-opening comment about current signal-caller Kenny Pickett during the latest episode of his podcast, Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger.

Pickett was featuring as a guest on the podcast episode when Roethlisberger stunningly admitted that he was rooting against the young quarterback when he first arrived in Pittsburgh.

“I wouldn’t say that I wanted Kenny to necessarily fail, but when someone comes to replace you, I still felt like I had it. I hope he doesn’t come and ball out, because then it’s like, ‘Ben who?” said Roethlisberger. “As you started playing, I found myself rooting more and more for you.”

Ben Roethlisberger openly admitted to Kenny Pickett that he initially didn't want to see him succeed in Pittsburgh.

"That's the selfishness of me. I feel bad for it.... 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 candid with Pickett, coming forth with an apology for his doubt over 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 up, I didn’t want it to happen. I think that’s probably the selfishness of me, and I feel bad for it. But as it went on ... I was rooting for you. I was excited for you.” 

He’s since become a fan of the 24-year-old, even revealing he wears a Pickett jersey every Sunday while watching Steelers games.

The Steelers drafted Pickett with the No. 20 selection in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. He took over starting quarterback duties as a rookie early on in the season, the year following Roethlisberger’s retirement. 

Roethlisberger revealed he had some doubts about Pickett early on, but he apologized to the young quarterback for not being a day one member on the bandwagon.