Cameron Heyward surprised by Ben Roethlisberger criticizing team post-retirement

Cameron Heyward and Ben Roethlisberger had a bit of a dispute this summer that needed to be aired out. To begin his post-NFL life, Roethlisberger had been critical of the attitude of players today. He said several come in to the league with a ‘me-first’ attitude rather than a focus on the team. Heyward went on to defend his Steeler teammates and their various backgrounds.

Heyward and Roethlisberger are fine again after the former Steeler QB clarified his comments. However, the analysts on ‘Good Morning Football’ still asked Heyward about the dispute during an appearance on the show. He said he was surprised by the comments but, while Roethlisberger is entitled to his opinion, it’s on the Steelers to disprove his theory.

“I was surprised. (It) was right before camp so I wasn’t expecting it. I think Ben later clarified his comments but I’m just worried about the guys that are here,” said Heyward. “Ben made his comments. He has seen a lot of football. (He’s) a heck of a player and a Hall of Fame quarterback. But this is a chance for guys to step up to those comments.”

“I’ll tell you this, I probably should’ve been more detailed, more specific in what I said,” said Roethlisberger during his clarification. “It’s not the majority of guys that are that way. I think in part of what I was saying when asked what was the difference in the league from when I first got in. It was a broad-stroked comment and had the same conversation. Cam and I have sat many times in the last couple of years and had that conversation. I get Cam supporting his teammates that are still playing. I wasn’t trying to bash anybody specifically.”

Ben Roethlisberger likely had no ill will towards his former franchise or teammates. Even so, as one of the team’s leaders, it was on Cameron Heyward to stand up to them. Now that he did, responsibility now passes on to this current Steeler team. If they want to prove Roethlisberger or anyone else wrong, Heyward says it’s on them to show why.

“I don’t think (the comments) were right but those guys in the locker room have got to prove it. We’ve got to play for our teammates, to continue to have each other’s backs and move forward.”