Pittsburgh Steelers great Ben Roethlisberger told his successor, quarterback Kenny Pickett, on a recent podcast that he initially didnt want him to succeed

Roethlisbergers legacy on the field is secure. He guided the storied franchise to a pair of Super Bowl victories and recorded a team-record 166 victories as quarterback.

But when he retired following the 2021 season and watched Pickett, the 20th pick in the draft, eventually take over the team in 2022, he wasnt exactly rooting for the rookie.

Early on, I didnt want him to succeed, Roethlisberger said while Pickett was a guest on the former players Footbahlin show. I think thats probably the selfishness of me and I feel bad for it, he added.

The ex-Steeler said he wanted to be super-transparent even if he would be blasted for his candor. He explained that he didnt want fans to forget him. He said he hoped Pickett didnt ball out play well because then its like, Ben who?

Roethlisberger said he began cheering for Pickett by his third game. I feel bad but Im glad I transitioned into loving to root for you, he said.

That means a lot, Pickett said.

Pickett threw for 2,404 yards and 7 touchdowns during a season in which the Steelers improved in the second half. I expect him to kill it next season, coach Mike Tomlin said of Pickett recently .

Roethlisberger announced his retirement at age 39 in early 2022, saying, I have given my all to the game, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for what it has given me.

Off the field, Roethlisbergers career was tainted by two sexual assault allegations , one of which was settled out of court. In the other, the womans lawyer asked the district attorney not to proceed with a criminal case due to the media attention but did not recant her allegations. Roethlisberger has denied the accusations.