A former cornerstone of the Steelers’ offensive line is pushing back against recent criticism of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The legendary lineman addressed the situation Monday while appearing on “The Fan Morning Show” on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh.
David DeCastro Responds After Joey Porter Sr. Questions Ben Roethlisberger
Former offensive lineman David DeCastro criticized the harsh comments made by former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter Sr. about Roethlisberger during Super Bowl week.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion,” DeCastro said. “I guess, you know, negativity seems to sell these days. But, you know, I loved playing with Ben, for Ben, protecting him. You know, it was a big task. I just loved his energy.”
DeCastro, a six-time Pro Bowl guard who played alongside Roethlisberger from 2012 through 2020, described the quarterback as the emotional catalyst of the offense.
“I mean, Ben’s the ultimate competitor, no matter what it is,” DeCastro said. “Whether it’s corn hole, darts, pool, shooting, playing horse, basketball. He’s the guy when you get in the huddle, he’s got the energy. He does the head tap before the games, the pregame thing, go around tap everyone’s head. You miss getting those juices flowing and, you know, having a guy like that.”
He added, “That’s what you need as a quarterback. That energy, that will, that want to win. It was contagious, and I took a lot of pride in protecting a Hall of Fame quarterback.”
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Roethlisberger is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame next year. What DeCastro said significantly differed from Porter’s comments made during Super Bowl week.
“He’s not a good teammate,” Porter said of Roethlisberger. “Won a Super Bowl with him, but the person? He’s just not a good teammate. He knows that. Anybody in the Steeler building knows that. But we protected him because I’ve only won one Super Bowl, and that was my quarterback. So do I love my quarterback? Yeah. But is he a good person? No.”
Porter was part of Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl 40 championship team and later served as an assistant coach with the organization.
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Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season after 18 years with the franchise. He won two Super Bowls, appeared in three, and finished his career with 64,088 passing yards and 418 touchdown passes. He becomes eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027.
DeCastro’s remarks underscore that perspectives from former teammates vary as the discussion surrounding Roethlisberger’s legacy continues. But he is right about negativity selling. DeCastro’s comments are a friendly reminder that positivity plays too.
