Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger had a strong message about the NFL’s schedule, labeling it as “unfair” while blasting the league for prioritizing money over the players’ health.
On Monday’s episode of his “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger,” the Steelers icon ripped the league for the brutal schedule that will make his former team play three games in only 11 days.
“It’s miserable. It’s a shame that the league does this. It just shows that it’s all about money and this is a way that they can, you know, make more money, and figure this thing out because it’s not fair for the players.
“You wanna talk about injuries and making the game safer, changing the kickoff rule and preventing guys on hip-drop tackles, and concussions, and this that and the other, and you’re going to make guys play the most violent game in the world, arguably, three games in 11 days. I mean, there’s no time for your body to get healthy and rest.”
The Steelers started this difficult part of the schedule against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Dec. 15, losing 27-13. On Saturday, Dec. 21, they took on the Baltimore Ravens, losing that duel 34-17.
The third and final game is scheduled for Christmas Day at 1 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. They will clash against the defending champions Kansas City Chiefs before hosting the Cincinnati Bengals thereafter.
Before Ben Roethlisberger went in on the NFL’s tough schedule for his Pittsburgh Steelers, JJ Watt, brother of TJ, shared his discomfort with how the league set up the schedule.
AJ Hawk asked:
“What do you think the NFL is thinking when they do this?”
Watt replied:
“I think we all know what they’re thinking when they’re doing this. They want more money. More football for the people. There’s a Freudian slip.”
Just like the Steelers, the Chiefs will also close their 11-day tour on Wednesday at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers are getting back star wide receiver George Pickens, who has missed the last three games, to get much-needed offensive firepower.
