Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders criticized former teammate Antonio Brown for “disrespecting” the Pittsburgh Steelers organization for his actions leading up to the season finale, but that does not mean he is absolving Ben Roethlisberger of any responsibility.

The former Steelers wide out appeared on NFL Network and said that Roethlisberger needs to be a better leader:

“Me and Mike Wallace used to talk about this,” Sanders said, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “If Ben called me out on a radio show, I would walk up to him and say, ‘Don’t do that. Keep my name out of your mouth.'”

When Sanders signed with the Broncos several years ago, one of the first things he said he realized was that Peyton Manning was a far better leader than Roethlisberger, and he mentioned that again this time:

Article Continues Below
More Pittsburgh Steelers News
Former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver and Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward signs a card for Erie resident Melanie Hoitinga, who was the first person in line for Ward's Aug. 19, 2023, autograph session at Dick's Sporting Goods reopening within the Millcreek Mall.
New Steelers WR embraces comparison to franchise legendBenjamin Adducchio ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is shown after he led Gang Green to a 32-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Steelers, Jets would make Week 1 history if Aaron Rodgers signsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) warms up before a game against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium.
1 Pittsburgh Steelers player with most to prove at OTAsJaren Kawada ·
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) takes the field against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers star T.J. Watt’s teammate drops ‘confident’ contract predictionJaren Kawada ·
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium.
NFL rumors: Steelers talking trade with more than just DolphinsDouglas Fritz ·
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) runs the ball after a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during second half at Hard Rock Stadium.
Steelers’ perfect trade proposal for Dolphins Pro BowlerJaren Kawada ·

“You’re the leader of this team. Be a leader,” Sanders said. “That’s the reason why my comments, when I first became a Denver Bronco, and I said Peyton Manning is a better leader than Ben Roethilsberger, all that has come to fruition. I don’t lie. I don’t hate anybody. I just speak the truth. And that’s the truth.”

This is not the first time Roethlisberger has received criticism about his leadership skills.

Sanders spent four years with the Steelers before signing with the Broncos in 2014, where he has proceeded to make two Pro Bowl appearances and capture a Super Bowl title.

This year, the 31-year-old caught 71 passes for 868 yards and four touchdowns.