Steelers legend Joey Porter Sr. is not one to mince words. More so, when it comes to his AFC North rivals. He’s now taken his love for Pittsburgh… And disdain for Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Baltimore to an extreme.

In a clip shared by Matthew Luciow, Porter Sr. quipped, “I don’t even eat in Cleveland. I never eat in Cincinnati and I never eat in Baltimore. Like, they could just forget about it. They talk about the good crab in Baltimore, I ain’t never had it.” It’s a classic Joey Porter guys! Unapologetically fiery and loyal. And Porter Sr.’s disdain for AFC North teams isn’t just personal; it’s rooted in a legacy of fierce competition.

The elder Porter spent 13 years in the NFL. Personifying toughness during his time with the Steelers, he delivered 98 sacks and 451 solo tackles. Drafted by the Steelers in 1999, Joey quickly became a cornerstone of their defense. He earned four Pro Bowl nods and helped the team clinch Super Bowl XL. For Steelers fans, his name is synonymous with passion and rivalry. Sr. Porter’s career moments against AFC North rivals were unforgettable.

He famously sacked Cleveland Browns QB Tim Couch in his first season and had career-defining performances against the Ravens, including multiple sacks in critical games. His heated pre-game altercations, like his infamous fight with Browns’ William Green, solidified his status as a fierce competitor. As we can see, the rivalry mindset endures even after retirement.

However, one could take his refusal to eat in rival cities lightly. It’s a testament to how deeply these rivalries define his identity. However, judging by Porter Jr.’s attitude, it’s safe to say he’s ready to carry on the fierce legacy.

Father-son bonding: Joey Porter Jr. picks up the mantle of Steelers rivalries

This legacy of rivalry isn’t lost on Joey Porter Jr, who was drafted by the Steelers in 2023. The younger Porter sure has big shoes to fill. But he is already showing glimpses of his father’s competitive fire. In a recent episode of Hard Knocks (aired on December 10), Steelers coach Mike Tomlin had a candid conversation with Joey Porter Jr. following his penalty struggles. Porter Jr. said, “Just want to be great.” It’s a line that echoes his father’s relentless pursuit of excellence. However, Mike Tomlin had a suggestion for him.

Tomlin, aware of Porter Jr.’s ambition to be great, encouraged him like a true guide. “You’ll be great, but you’re not gonna be great today.” Pushing the rookie to be patient in his pursuit of greatness. Coach Tomlin would want Jr. to take that advice to heart. Continuing to refine his game in the face of some early-season struggles.

Porter Jr. was penalized 12 times in his rookie season. But much like his dad before him, he needs to stay grounded. And focus on improvement. However, it’s clear that while Porter Jr. is learning from his own experiences, he’s also leaning on the wisdom of Porter Sr., and with that comes the family tradition of fierce rivalry.

As Porter Jr. himself proudly said talking about his father and the Steelers during the show, “Once he was drafted here, they took us in as family. He coached here, he played here… I feel like… my whole family… got a deep-rooted connection with the Steelers.” And now, that family is more committed than ever to making the AFC North their battleground.

For Porter Jr., every snap is an opportunity to build on that tradition, especially in the AFC North. With the Porters, Steelers fans see not just the present but also the future of their team. It’s a family tradition of loyalty, grit, and, of course, a teeny-weeny bit of disdain for the neighbors.