The Pittsburgh Steelers have always had their fair share of rivalries, but none seem to evoke as much animosity as their encounters with former Cincinnati Bengals' linebacker, Vontaze Burfict. Burfict's disdain for the Steelers is no secret, and it seems he's not afraid to admit it.

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Steelers Le'Veon Bell stares down Vontaze Burfict
Steelers' Foe Admits To Playing Dirty Against Pittsburgh
In a surprising turn of events, Burfict recently took to Twitch, the popular streaming platform, to share some content of him playing Madden and his feelings towards the Steelers. During a lively game of Madden with fellow streamer, Sketch, known for his comedic antics during video game sessions, the conversation took an unexpected turn.
As Sketch made Burfict crack up with his humor, he playfully suggested that Burfict inspired him to hit people after the play. Burfict's response, however, left everyone stunned.
“I didn’t hit people after the play all the time, Sketch. Just the Steelers. F*** the Steelers.”
This candid confession serves as a stark reminder of the intense rivalry between Burfict and the Steelers, one that went beyond the boundaries of the football field. These matchups had the potential to turn ugly quickly, with emotions running high and significant divisional rewards on the line. These games often featured hard-hitting and harrowing moments that left fans grimacing as bone-crunching hits were delivered.
Burfict's playing style was infamous during his time in the NFL, and he was no stranger to hefty fines and suspensions for his dirty and ruthless hits. His confrontations with the Steelers, in particular, became notorious within the football world.
One play, etched into the memory of Steelers fans for all the wrong reasons, encapsulates the brutality of Burfict's hits. It involved a gut-wrenching and disturbing collision with Steelers' then-star wide receiver Antonio Brown.
I’m no doctor, but maybe Antonio Brown never recovered from this disgusting hit by Vontaze Burfict pic.twitter.com/7FKGRs9AiD
— Eric Rosenthal (@ericsports) January 2, 2022
In this particular instance, the ball had already been deemed uncatchable, and the play had concluded when Burfict delivered a full-speed blow to Brown's head. The incident was nothing short of horrific, raising concerns about the long-term effects of such a devastating hit. Brown left the game with a severe concussion.
Throughout his career, Burfict earned a reputation as a brutal, devastating and dirty player. His actions on the field garnered him suspensions, substantial fines, and disciplinary measures from both the league and his own team. While his recent comment about hitting Steelers' players late was made in a seemingly lighthearted manner, it sheds light on the intense animosity he still harbors towards the Steelers, even in retirement. It also provides evidence that Burfict really was out on that football field with poor intentions.

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Retired Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger takes a hit from Bengals linebacker, Vontaze Burfict during a regular season game in Cincinnati, OH.
Burfict's confrontations with the Steelers weren't limited to routine football plays; they often escalated into physical altercations that transcended the boundaries of fair competition. His admission on Twitch, though seemingly humorous, reflects the deep-rooted rivalry that defined his career.
Burfict has cultivated a substantial following on his social media channels, where he now streams video games and showcases a great sense of humor. Despite the animosity from Steelers fans, his streams are highly entertaining for both his dedicated supporters and football enthusiasts alike.

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Steelers' nemesis Vontaze Burfict with the football
Burfict's revelation on Twitch may have been made in jest, but it serves as a stark reminder of the intense animosity that defined his encounters with the Steelers. While he has retired from professional football, the memories of his ruthless hits and confrontations with the Steelers continue to resonate with football fans.
The legacy of a brutal player like Burfict serves as a testament to the fierce rivalries that make the NFL such an exhilarating sport, even long after the final whistle has blown. As the game of football has evolved, it is evident that Burfict's actions in today's game would undoubtedly lead to significant trouble for the league.
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