The Pittsburgh Steelers have a complicated relationship with some extremely impactful players from their recent history. This includes former All-Pro running back Le'Veon Bell and superstar wide receiver Antonio Brown. Both of the former players have been doing their best to make amends with the fan base, even appearing at the Terrible Tailgate ahead of Pittsburgh's Week 6 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. Both stars seem apologetic for the way they left the organization, which they have been very public about.
Brown in particular had a fairly messy ending to his time with the Steelers. It was reported that there were issues between him and former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but the receiver has since shown some regret for how he handled things.
Brown was a guest speaker at a Donald Trump rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania on Saturday where he delivered a short speech. Included in that speech were some kind words for Roethlisberger.
"Pittsburgh and the state of Pennsylvania, I want to thank you for all the memories and all the support," Brown said. "I look forward to seeing you in Canton, Ohio in 2027 with my favorite quarterback Big Ben. So excited to go down in history together with Ben."
This was how Brown ended his speech. Both he and Roethlisberger will be eligible for the Hall of Fame for the first time in 2027, and Pittsburgh fans would love the former duo to get inducted together. They both have the numbers and the resume to be inducted on their first attempt, but it is unlikely that will happen due to how Brown's career ended and his off the field antics.
Roethlisberger shouldn't have any issues being inducted in 2027. He was one of the best quarterbacks in the league during his time in the NFL, even though he was often overshadowed by the likes of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees. The quarterback appeared in three Super Bowls and won two, and he is in the top 10 of nearly every major passing category in NFL history.
Brown was the most dominant receiver in the NFL while he was with the Steelers. He was named an All-Pro five times, and was a Pro Bowler seven times. He even won a Super Bowl at the end of his career when he played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His resume indicates he had a Hall of Fame career, but his actions since retiring have been sporadic. In his last game, he took his jersey and pads off, and ran out of the stadium — so the NFL likely has a gripe with the former receiver.
Steelers fans will be happy when the 2027 Hall of Fame class is announced no matter what. Roethlisberger is essentially a lock, while Brown has a serious chance to be inducted (although the NFL might make him wait a few years). Either way, at least one Pittsburgh legend will be inducted into the hall during that year.
Steelers Legend Antonio Brown Has No Issues With Ben Roethlisberger
When Brown left Pittsburgh, it seemed as though he and Roethlisberger had a falling out, but Brown has since regained the love for his former quarterback. The two were one of the best duos in the history of the NFL, and Brown has since called Roethlisberger his favorite quarterback, even though he played with Brady.
Brown even went as far as to call Roethlisberger the best quarterback he has ever played with. This is a bit shocking, since many consider Brady to be the best football player ever. Brown even caught a touchdown pass from Brady in the Super Bowl, yet he still considers Roethlisberger the best signal-caller he has shared the field with.
The two had some special moments together on the field, and hopefully they can have another special moment in 2027 if they are both inducted into the Hall of Fame.
