Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey recently revisited his well-known on-field confrontation with former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. from their 2016 matchup. Ramsey, then with the Jacksonville Jaguars, detailed the moment he clashed with Smith and the events that followed during an episode of The Pivot Podcast.
Details of the 2016 Conflict Between Ramsey and Smith
During the podcast, Ramsey explained that the conflict started when Smith pushed one of his teammates near the end of a play, which sparked Ramsey to react physically. After shoving Smith back, the two briefly scuffled before the game continued without interruption. Following the conclusion of the match, Smith approached Ramsey with a warning, but Ramsey responded dismissively.
“He pushed one of our nickels at the end of the play,” Ramsey said (24:22). “That was my moment. So, I went over there, pushed him, boom, boom, boom. And then it was like a little smaller scuffle. Nothing crazy. Y’all know football scuffles. It got broken up. At the end of the game, that’s why he came up to me. His exact words were, ‘Yo youngin, you straight, but you better watch who you talking to.’ And I started laughing at him.'”
This incident remains a notable moment in NFL rivalries, symbolizing the intense competitiveness and emotions that can surface between players on opposing teams. Ramsey’s recounting nearly a decade later highlights how confrontations can leave lasting impressions on athletes and fans alike.
The Steelers’ New Defensive Strength Featuring Jalen Ramsey
In recent developments, Jalen Ramsey has become a vital part of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive lineup after being acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins. This move, along with signing linebacker T.J. Watt to a lucrative extension and adding veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, has significantly revamped the Steelers’ roster ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Ramsey’s versatility on the field has drawn praise from his teammates, including Watt, who spoke about the impact Ramsey has on their defense during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
“It’s been huge,” Watt said. “And it goes both ways. I mean, he’s the Swiss Army knife of our defense right now. You’re going to see him play in every position. You’re going to see him play a man. And any time those guys lock down just for an extra half a second, we love it because it allows us to get to the quarterback.”
The partnership between Watt and Ramsey is expected to be a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defensive strategy this season, as the franchise aims to build on its offseason momentum. Fans and analysts are watching closely to see how these moves translate into on-field success during the playoffs and beyond.