Ben Roethlisberger recently commented on Kenny Pickett’s upcoming return to the Pittsburgh Steelers as the Cleveland Browns quarterback, stirring controversy among fans and analysts. Pickett, who was a first-round draft pick by the Steelers in 2022, played two seasons in Pittsburgh before brief time with the Philadelphia Eagles and then joining their long-standing rivals, the Browns. This development adds fuel to the well-known Kenny Pickett Cleveland Browns Steelers rivalry.

The rivalry between the Steelers and Browns traces back to the 1950s, originating during the NFL and AAFL merger that placed these teams in the AFC North division. The feud is one of the league’s oldest, with Pittsburgh holding an 82–64–1 lead over Cleveland historically, intensifying matchups between the two franchises.

Insider Reacts Strongly to Roethlisberger’s Prediction on Crowd Reaction

During a recent discussion about the Steelers’ schedule, Roethlisberger suggested Pickett would receive a warm welcome from Steelers fans when he returns as Cleveland’s starting QB at Acrisure Stadium in Week 6 of the 2025 season. However, NFL insider Andrew Fillipponi strongly disagreed, mocking Ben’s forecast in a blunt tweet.

“Big Ben believes Kenny Pickett will get ‘cheered’ when he returns to Pittsburgh as Browns QB in week 6. I think Ben is respectfully on crack. Kenny will get booed to a decibel level unlike anything we’ve ever heard,” Fillipponi tweeted on Saturday.

This response highlights the deep intensity and personal nature of the rivalry, where Pickett’s arrival as a Browns player is expected to provoke a hostile reaction from Steelers supporters rather than applause.

Roethlisberger Shares Optimistic View on Steelers’ Future with Aaron Rodgers

Beyond the Pickett controversy, the NFL offseason discussion has focused heavily on quarterback Aaron Rodgers after his release by the New York Giants. Many rumors suggest Rodgers could join Pittsburgh, prompting speculation about how his presence might impact the Steelers’ performance.

Roethlisberger weighed in on these developments during his “Footbahlin” podcast, predicting the Steelers’ win-loss record will improve significantly if Rodgers leads the team. He compared Rodgers’s influence to a Hall of Famer’s impact on the field.

“I have us 7-10 without Aaron Rodgers, and I have us 11-6 with Aaron. That’s called three letters: H-O-F (Hall of Fame). That’ll get you a few more wins,” Roethlisberger said on his “Footbahlin” podcast on Wednesday.

This forecast reflects optimism among the Steelers’ community that Rodgers could elevate the team’s competitiveness in future seasons, though it remains uncertain if the move will come to fruition.

Upcoming Rivalry Matchup and Its Expected Atmosphere

The Steelers versus Browns clash in Week 6 of 2025 is already shaping up as a pivotal game, not only for the playoff implications but also for the emotional intensity due to Pickett’s transition between these bitter rivals. The longstanding “Turnpike Rivalry” ensures that every meeting is fiercely contested, and with Pickett playing for Cleveland, the atmosphere at Acrisure Stadium promises to be electrifying.

The disagreement between Roethlisberger and Fillipponi captures the passionate opinions surrounding this rivalry, demonstrating how player movements between these teams can add new layers to an already charged dynamic. Steelers fans are expected to vocally express their displeasure with Pickett’s presence as a Browns QB, underscoring the contest’s significance beyond just the game itself.

Overall, the developments involving Kenny Pickett, Ben Roethlisberger’s insights, and potential lineup changes with Aaron Rodgers point toward an intriguing and suspense-filled NFL season for Pittsburgh and Cleveland fans alike. With history and pride on the line, this rivalry will continue to command attention in the football world.