Former Pittsburgh Steelers great Hines Ward thinks Ben Roethlisberger has much left to prove as a leader.

Ward recently said that the Steelers' current situation is “disappointing” and he addressed the Steelers' frenzy of issues on NFL Total Access.

From Grant Gordon of NFL.com:

“Disappointing just to hear all the talks off the field with the Pittsburgh Steelers, that's really never been the case,” Ward said in reference to running back Le'Veon Bell holding out for the entire season and emerging as a free agent and receiver Antonio Brown missing the team's final game and now likely to be traded. “It's unfortunate. Two great talents like Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown aren't going to be on the team going into next season. But yes, Ben is the leader of that team. He's been there, he's done that. I just think he has to take the initiative to kinda do more as a leader. Not just being able to call guys out on his radio show. Take them behind — treat them like, you know we always say we're a band of brothers — like, pull me to the side, let me know what I can do to get better. You don't have to air it out to the public where everyone can hear. So I just think he needs to do a better job of that.”

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Ward played all 14 of his NFL seasons with the Steelers, and made four Pro Bowl selections.

He was a teammate of Roethlisberger's for eight years and Brown's for two.

Ben Roethlisberger could still have a few more great seasons left in the bag, but according to Hines Ward, his time in the NFL could be shortened if he doesn't figure out a way to better connect with his teammates.