In a recent episode of his "Footbahlin" podcast, former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger expressed his concerns about the team's current lack of leadership and their struggle to maintain the iconic "Steeler Way." Following Roethlisberger's retirement, the Steelers have found themselves in an unfamiliar state, grappling with internal issues and a decline in their on-field performance.

Roethlisberger, a tenured future Hall of Famer, acknowledged the inevitable shift that occurs when a cornerstone player departs after nearly two decades with the organization. However, the void left by his absence has had a profound impact both inside the team and on the product displayed on the field.

Reflecting on his retirement and the state of the team, Roethlisberger lamented, "When I retired, I felt like certain guys aren't in it for the team, they're in it for themselves. Well, now some of the guys on the team are saying the same thing, so maybe I wasn't too far off when I said that."

It appears that the Steelers are struggling to fill the leadership vacuum left by Roethlisberger. The team's attempts to bring in veteran players have not yielded the same results as growing and developing leaders from within the organization. The absence of leaders on offense, in particular, has been a significant concern.

"You don't have it on offense," Roethlisberger stated. "You can bring a veteran football player in, but just because they're a veteran football player doesn't mean that they're a Steeler, like they know what it is to be a Pittsburgh Steeler."

Roethlisberger was the last remaining stalwart on the offensive side of the ball, and no one has emerged to fill his shoes as the true embodiment of Steeler tradition and values. The departure of veterans such as Maurkice Pouncey and Dave DeCastro further widened the age gap, leaving a noticeable void in terms of passing down the team's rich tradition.

The "Steeler Way" is more than just a mantra; it is a way of life. It is instilled in the players from the moment they put on the Black and Gold, and Roethlisberger believes this core identity is currently lacking.

"You have it on defense, but you don't have it on offense right now, and it's making it really hard. You're not seeing, in my opinion, the toughness on offense," Roethlisberger emphasized. "You need someone to stand up in that room on offense and be like, 'Hey, this isn't what it means to wear the Black and Gold.'"

While the Steeler Way can be preached, Roethlisberger highlighted the importance of living it. Without individuals embodying the core values, the essence of the Steelers' identity remains absent.

As Pittsburgh grapples with their current leadership void and the challenge of finding individuals willing to step up and mold the team's future, there is a pressing need to uphold the Steeler Way both on offense and defense. The Steelers must rediscover the heart, toughness, and unity that have defined the franchise for decades if they are to return to their winning ways.