During the offseason, roughly two dozen Steelers that Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke with didn’t speak up in Ben Roethlisberger’s behalf.
On Monday in Dallas, after Roethlisberger led the team to the Super Bowl, his teammates weren’t shy speaking up on his behalf.
MDS pointed out James Farrior’s defense of his quarterback earlier. Defensive end Brett Keisel said he’s “always had Ben’s back on and off the field” and said they were close friends.
The awkwardness of Roethlisberger’s situation is just something we’re surprised more folks can’t be upfront about.
A lot of teammates, fans, and members of the Steelers organization at every level were fed up with their quarterback. Some wanted him sent out of town, and many more had conflicted feelings at best.
With time and success over the last six months, there are fewer conflicted feelings. It happens, but there’s no need to pretend Roethlisberger was fully supported back in the offseason.
[kml_flashembed movie="http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/33399756?launch= 41359583" width="420" height="245" allowFullscreen="true” /]