Pittsburgh Steelers star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger put himself in a bit of hot water a few weeks ago following the 2018 NFL Draft after a few of his marks toward incoming rookie quarterback Mason Rudolph. It had given off the impression that Roethlisberger was upset at the selection of another young player at the position while showing an unwillingness to help the rookie transition to the next level.

The Pro Bowler has since quieted his stance concerning that with him taking more of a welcoming approach to the situation. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Roethlisberger voiced on Tuesday morning that he is ready to embrace a mentorship type role with Rudolph moving forward.

“I think people took some things I said into a context that I was going to be mean or rude or whatever. That's not it at all,” Roethlisberger said. “If you listen to the whole conversation, it was said in jest and laughing. I've never been the type to be rude or mean to other quarterbacks. I've had a lot of quarterbacks come through here that are younger than me that I've tried to help any way that I can. So I'll continue to do that.”

This is something that Roethlisberger clearly recognizes that he needs to clear up because it could become a lingering distraction on the team. It could also paint the public perception that he is unwilling to help his teammate for his own selfish reasons away from the franchise.

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Nihad Zunic ·

Throughout his career, especially in the last few years, Roethlisberger has been quite vocal about various situations around the team and this isn't any different. This just happens to concern a teammate that could be his eventual successor down the line when he steps away from the game.

Roethlisberger's new approach is certainly more appropriate for the handling of the situation, but it's something to keep an eye on moving ahead in the offseason into the 2018 campaign.