Antonio Brown credits Ben Roethlisberger for helping him break through into Steelers when Bruce Arians didn’t want to

While appearing on the Pivot Podcast, Antonio Brown discussed his relationship with former Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians and how he did not want to give him a starting role in the team.

Antonio Brown credits Ben Roethlisberger for helping him break through into Steelers when Bruce Arians didn’t want to

Antonio Brown claimed Ben Roethlisberger was the reason he broke into the Steelers squad (Image via IMAGO)

Antonio Brown became one of the best wide receivers of his generation and perhaps of all time. However, during his initial years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Brown had trouble breaking into the first team.

During the recent episode of The Pivot podcast hosted by Brown’s former teammate Ryan Clark, the 35-year-old spoke about his connection with then-Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.

Brown did not start a single game in his first season, but in the second he racked up 69 receptions and crossed 1000 yards from an astonishing 3 starts. Yet according to him, Arians was nonchalant about starting him.

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Ryan Clark know[s] my relationship with Bruce Arians. How many years you know Arians to hold me back?
Antonio Brown asked Clark.

It was a while.

The retired cornerback replied.

At this time, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger put in a word in favor of the Central Michigan graduate.

Ben Roethlisberger the only reason I even started for the Steelers. He [literally] had to go tell Arians like, ‘Yo! I need AB at the X [starting roster]. Let him run these plays.
Brown added.

The discussion occurred after Clark brought up Brown’s infamous bail while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. It’s ironic because Arians (the Bucs head coach) was the one who signed Brown with a little help from Tom Brady.

Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown were the deadly duo for the Steelers

Brown had a case to be a starter after dropping 1000 yards in his second year with the team. However, the Steelers had established players like Hines Ward, Emanuel Sanders, and Mike Wallace. So starting a sixth-round receiver over them was always going to be a gamble.

Antonio Brown credits Ben Roethlisberger for helping him break through into Steelers when Bruce Arians didn't want to
Antonio Brown (Image via IMAGO)

It eventually paid off as Antonio Brown amassed 837 receptions for 11,207 receiving yards and 74 touchdowns in 8 years, crossing the 1000-yard barrier in 6 consecutive seasons. He led the league in receiving yards twice (2014 and 2017), and in receptions twice (2014 and 2015) with best figures of 136 catches for 1834 yards 10 touchdowns along with 22 rushes for 212 yards and 1 touchdown.

However, Roethlisberger and Brown ended things on a sour note. The 7-time Pro Bowler wanted to add the missing Super Bowl to his trophy cabinet so he joined the New England Patriots to play with Brady and then followed him to Tampa.

As things watered down over time, Roethlisberger has said that he and Brown regrated their parting. The 42-year-old even extended his hand for reconciliation with arguably his best-ever receiving partner.  

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