Steelers Legend Ben Roethlisberger Slams Russell Wilson’s Exit from Steelers

Pittsburgh, PA – March 15, 2025
Steelers icon Ben Roethlisberger didn’t hold back Saturday, delivering a blistering takedown of Russell Wilson’s decision to leave Pittsburgh and sign a one-year, $15 million deal with the New York Giants. The two-time Super Bowl champion, who quarterbacked the Steelers from 2004 to 2021, took to X with a scorching rebuke: “He’s a money-hungry idiot—Steelers don’t need guys like that to be great.”

Roethlisberger, a six-time Pro Bowler and franchise legend, knows what it takes to build a championship legacy in Pittsburgh. Wilson, 36, revived his career with the Steelers in 2024, starting 10 games with a 6-4 record, throwing for 2,569 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions while adding 368 rushing yards. His gritty play helped steady a team rocked by Justin Fields’ midseason struggles, but his abrupt exit—after the Steelers offered a reported $12 million to stay—has left a bitter taste.

“You don’t walk away from a franchise like this, a fanbase like this, for a few extra bucks,” Roethlisberger fumed on X, echoing the frustration of Steelers Nation. Fans flooded the platform with reactions: “Big Ben’s right—Wilson’s chasing cash over legacy,” one wrote (@SteelCityFan). Another added, “Giants? What a downgrade. Dumb move” (@BurghFaithful). The Giants, coming off a 4-13 season, lured Wilson with a bigger paycheck, a move Pittsburgh couldn’t counter with their $10-15 million cap space.

Roethlisberger’s sharp words highlight the sting of Wilson’s departure. As the veteran QB gears up to lead Daniel Jones’ former squad, Steelers fans—and legends like Big Ben—see a missed chance at greatness squandered.