Former Steelers Great Revealing How He Got Scammed By Teammate To Join Arizona

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl XL run likely doesn’t happen without the immense leadership of linebacker Joey Porter Sr. Of course, today his son continues his legacy, Joey Porter Jr., playing in Pittsburgh as a rising star cornerback. However, before that, Porter Sr. was a dominant force for the Steelers from 1999 to 2006, known for his fiery intensity and ability to inspire teammates on and off the field. His leadership and playmaking were instrumental in Pittsburgh’s 2005 NFL season, culminating in a Super Bowl XL victory.

After that championship season, Porter Sr. played just one more year in Pittsburgh. He was released due to salary cap constraints and soon signed a five-year, $32 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. As Porter Sr. has long joked, he went from competing for Super Bowls to struggling to win regular season games. In March 2010, he signed a three-year, $24.5 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals, hoping to continue his impact on the field with a new team.

However, Porter Sr. later shared a surprising story about how he initially thought his former teammates, linebackers Larry Foote and Bryant McFadden, would be joining him in Arizona. That plan never came to fruition, as then-Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert, and Football Administration Coordinator Omar Khan managed to bring them back to Pittsburgh. 

Porter recounted the tale while speaking with Cam Heyward on his Not Just Football podcast, illustrating both the unpredictability of NFL careers and the deep bonds formed between teammates in Pittsburgh.

"Clark [Haggans] was out there. Foote came on a visit, he lied to me and said he was coming, but then went back to Pittsburgh," Porter said while speaking on the podcast. "Bryant McFadden was there. He came there for a year and then went back to Pittsburgh. Larry Foote was going to come there." 

Porter never wanted to leave the Steelers, but the team was undergoing a transition at the time with Mike Tomlin coming in. The Steelers released him to save money against the salary cap, and he subsequently signed with Miami. 

He always wanted to return to Pittsburgh, but never got that chance, unlike some of his other former teammates.

"I catch me and Larry Foote on the visit together," Porter said. He tells me, 'Peezy, I'm coming. I signed.' Omar [Khan] calls him back and calls B-Mac back. I sign and they both leave."

This story about Porter underscores just how unpredictable and fast-moving a career in the NFL can be. Porter himself made it abundantly clear that he never wanted to leave Pittsburgh, yet, unfortunately, the circumstances of his professional journey took him elsewhere. 

Steelers Fans Wish Joey Porter Sr. Was A Steeler For Life

Many Steelers fans continue to wish that Porter could have spent the entirety of his remarkable career in the Steel City, where his talent, dedication, and leadership made such a lasting impact.

Porter embodied the very essence of what it means to be a Steeler. His leadership both on and off the field played a pivotal role in helping Pittsburgh secure yet another Super Bowl trophy, cementing his place in the franchise’s storied history. 

Today, Porter dedicates his time to supporting the team he loves while proudly watching his son carry forward his legacy in Pittsburgh, ensuring that the Porter name continues to be synonymous with excellence in Steelers football.

Porter’s journey is a testament to both the unpredictability of the NFL and the enduring spirit of a true Steeler. Though his path took unexpected turns, his legacy on the field and now through his son will forever remain woven into Pittsburgh’s proud football history.

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