Steelers Now
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger does not like where the team’s rivalry with the Cincinnati Bengals is heading.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ rivalry with the Cincinnati Bengals seems to be hotter than ever following their latest matchup when wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase spit on defensive back Jalen Ramsey, who then threw a punch and was ejected from the game.
Chase has since been suspended for a game as well, but former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger does not like what he saw from either team.
“I’m talking to both. I’m talking to everybody. Just shut up and play football. That’s how the Pittsburgh Steelers play. You shut up, play the game and you go to work and you beat that dude down,” Roethlisberger said on the latest episode of Footbahlin’ with Ben Roethlisberger. “The Bengals-Steelers rivalry, it’s not the same as the Steelers and Ravens.”
Woah: Ben Roethlisberger speaks on the Steelers' rivalry with the Bengals.
“You know how many times Ray Lewis used to help me up and be like young fella I’m about to get you again that’s respect. That extra stuff is unnecessary. The Bengals Steelers rivalry is not the same as… pic.twitter.com/deu07X4sb2
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 19, 2025
AFC North matchups do often times come down to the wire, no matter which teams are on both sides of the ball. However, the Steelers and Bengals recent history has had a lot of extracurriculars.
Roethlisberger thinks that is unneeded to have a great rivalry such as the one they have with the Ravens.
“Do you know how many times Ray Lewis used to help me up? He’d be like, ‘Hey, young fella, I’m about to get you again.’ That’s respect,” Roethlisberger continued. “That extra stuff is unnecessary.”
Only time will tell how the Steelers and Bengals rivalry will continue to develop, but it’s fair to assume things could pick up right where they left off if Chase and Ramsey are still on their respective squads in 2026.
However, both teams are unlikely to see each other again this season. Following Pittsburgh’s 34-12 win over Cincinnati in Week 11, the Bengals are now 3-7 and in third place in the division, making their path to the playoffs very difficult.
Meanwhile, the Steelers continue to hold onto their narrow lead with a 6-4 record and 2-1 in the division.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Big Ben Blasts Steelers-Bengals Rivalry: ‘Shut Up and Play Football’
