PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) — Terry Bradshaw took the time to join Colin Cowherd on his show "The Herd" on Friday, and in it, the former Steelers quarterback cleared the air on his tumultuous relationship with current Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
As Bradshaw would go on to clarify, the rapport between him and Roethlisberger hasn't always been sunshine and rainbows — there’s been some “friction” in Bradshaw’s words.
But the interview spot wasn’t about the beef between the two Pittsburgh greats; it was more about moving forward.
Bradshaw opened up about the nature of his relationship with Roethlisberger and lifted a weight off his shoulders as he talked about a blooming affiliation that is recently on the mend.
In fact, it was only two weeks ago, from Bradshaw’s accord, that the two quarterbacks were able to start rebuilding their relationship:
"I did an interview with Ben Roethlisberger, and it was the best interview I’ve ever done because of the friction in between the two of us, self-imposed or whatever. And out of that interview was him being relieved, jovial, fun to be with, calling me a superstar and having fun with it. And…we came out of that interview, and I said ‘wow.’ It felt so good."
There was some recognition of that previous deterioration on Bradshaw's part.
Bradshaw not only admitted to the "friction" between him and Roethlisberger, but there was also some trepidation from his perspective leading up to their interview.
Bradshaw also didn’t shy away from his actions in the matter; he owned his criticisms toward Roethlisberger.
"I was nervous doing the interview because we haven’t gotten along because of off the field stuff. And I was very critical of him — not his playing— his off the field stuff."
Moving onward, Bradshaw also empathized with the differences in football eras.
Comparing 1970s football to 2000s or 2010s football isn't exactly an apples to apples conversion.
"He has had to deal with various players [sic] interchangeable. OK? I didn’t. The same team that won the Super Bowl when you were 13 is the same one that won the Super Bowl when you were 19," Bradshaw explained.
Cowherd hinted at the lack of support that might've been missing on Bradshaw's end and how sometimes the passing of the torch still has lingering effects for the newer player.
Cowherd used the examples of Peyton Manning in Indianapolis, Troy Aikman in Dallas, and Tom Brady in New England.
Franchise legends leave high pedestals, and there are oftentimes lofty expectations for the next man up.
Part of the souring between Bradshaw and Roethlisberger might have been contributed to the unavoidable passing of the baton and the absence of a togetherness between the two.
Sure, the Steelers have had other quarterbacks between Bradshaw and Roethlisberger, but at least at the position, you’ll be hard pressed to find two bigger names.
Now it appears to be water under the bridge.
And more so, seeing two icons shaking hands in camaraderie is good for Pittsburgh, according to Bradshaw: "It’s good for me. It’s good for him. It’s good for the city. It’s good for the Steelers."
While it might not have cost many fans a wink of sleep, a gap was bridged between two Steelers stars.
And that seems like a fairy-tale ending for the City of Bridges.