Ben Roethlisberger Responds To Julian Edelman’s Barb On Steelers Ahead Of AFC Championship Game Vs Patriots

Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ emotional 18-16 road victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC divisional round on Sunday night, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin urged his team to maintain a low profile as it prepares to face the New England Patriots in the AFC championship game next Sunday.

Ben Roethlisberger Responds To Julian Edelman’s Barb On Steelers Ahead Of AFC Championship Game Vs Patriots

Wideout Antonio Brown recorded Tomlin’s profanity-laced locker room speech— in which he mentioned the Patriots– on Facebook Live, unbeknownst to his coach.

Now, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is defending the Steelers after Patriots receiver Julian Edelman questioned the way Pittsburgh’s team is run.

“We’ve got our trophies out there. I’ve got owners that I think are the best in the business,” said Roethlisberger, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “They’re family to us, and I’m sure if he talked to his owner, he would say the same thing about the Rooneys. Anybody in here in the football world or the regular world that [knows] the Rooneys knows what they stand for. It’s a blessing to call them a family.”

Edelman’s comments referred to Brown’s secret recording of Tomlin’s speech, a move that the Patriots viewed as unprofessional.

“That’s how that team is run,” Edelman said on WEEI’s Ordway, Merloni & Fauria. “I personally don’t think that would be something that would happen in our locker room.”

Brown has already apologized, and could likely be fined by the NFL for violating the league’s social media policy. (players are restricted from posting 90 minutes before and after games). Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Wednesday that the NFL is investigating Brown’s video-recording.

Of course, the Steelers receiver could redeem himself by delivering a great performance next Sunday.

The Steelers lead all NFL teams with six Super Bowl titles, while the Patriots are third behind the Dallas Cowboys (who have five) with four. All three teams have reached the Super Bowl eight times.

Sunday’s AFC Championship Game will surely be a highly competitive one.

PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 25: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass in the first half during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 25, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)