Former Steelers QB Blasts Pittsburgh Over Lack of Development
Posted October 6, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers have to be feeling pretty good heading into Week 6 of the 2025 campaign. Fresh off their bye week, the Steelers are watching the rest of the NFC North division collapse around them, and even with a week off, they are in firm control of their division, despite having played one game less than the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns.
And yet, the team has found itself at the center of some controversial comments made by one of its former quarterbacks, Joshua Dobbs. When discussing his time with Pittsburgh, Dobbs criticized the team for its handling of its quarterback development, which will surely catch the attention of head coach Mike Tomlin and the rest of his staff.
Joshua Dobbs Puts the Steelers on Blast
Dobbs was selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he ended up initially working as Ben Roethlisberger’s backup under center. Dobbs spent three seasons with Pittsburgh before latching on with the Jacksonville Jaguars briefly in 2019, only to return to the Steelers for the 2020 and 2021 campaigns.
Since leaving Pittsburgh for the second time, Dobbs has gone on to spend time with the Browns, Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, and the New England Patriots, where he is currently the top backup for Drake Maye at quarterback. During his time in the league, Dobbs has experienced several different systems and coaching staffs, so he’s seen all the different sides the NFL has to offer.
According to the man himself, though, it sounds like what he saw at the beginning of his career with the Steelers was the worst experience of his career. When discussing his time with the team, Dobbs revealed that the team never truly worked on developing him and instead decided to throw him into the fire in hopes he could figure things out on his own.
“I’ve seen it both ways,” Dobbs said to Ty Dunne of Go Long. “I’ve shown up for work and I had no clue what I was being asked to do. And I’ve been in a place where you’ve had to come in as a quarterback and it’s like ‘Here’s the game plan, here’s a script.’ You’re figuring out your reads and your footwork and it’s trial by error. There’s no framework of what you’re trying to get done as an offense.”
“I’ve been there. I’ve done it. It’s not enjoyable. I want to know the why. I want to know why and how we’re attacking them. You just want reasoning. As I said, I’ve seen the exact opposite of the coin.”
Steelers Set to Get Back to Work in Week 6
GettyAaron Rodgers of Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Minnesota Vikings.
Dobbs has managed to put together a solid career as a backup quarterback, despite his rough experience with the Steelers. Since Roethlisberger’s retirement after the 2021 season, the team has struggled to find his successor, as they quickly gave up on former first-round pick Kenny Pickett and opted to sign Aaron Rodgers in free agency this offseason after relying on Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in 2024.
Pittsburgh has its answer at quarterback for the 2025 season, but there will be a time when it needs to develop its next franchise player at the position. For now, the team is simply riding the wave of success they have enjoyed to begin the season, and they will focus on getting ready for their Week 6 clash with the Cleveland Browns.
Emmitt Smith Stirs the NFL with Shockingly Honest Critique of Packers' Legacy
A Cowboys Icon Lights the Fire
When Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time rushing leader and the beating heart of the 1990s Dallas Cowboys dynasty, speaks, fans expect wisdom, pride, and respect. But in a stunning turn, Smith dropped a bombshell during a recent football roundtable that has the entire NFL reeling.
His comments started as surprising praise for the Green Bay Packers, but ended in a scathing critique that has sparked a furious debate between Cowboys Nation, Packers Nation, and the wider football world.
“The Packers Are Built for Survival”
Smith’s first comments were enough to raise eyebrows. Speaking on a podcast, he acknowledged Green Bay’s unique ability to withstand adversity:
“The Packers are the only NFC team built for survival. Year after year, no matter the injuries, no matter the conditions, they find ways to stay in the fight.”
Coming from a Cowboys legend, the compliment was shocking. Packers fans took it as validation of their franchise’s reputation as TitleTown USA — tough, resilient, and forged in the cold of Lambeau Field.
The Knife-Twisting Criticism
But just as Green Bay fans started celebrating, Emmitt Smith dropped the hammer.
“For all that toughness, they waste greatness year after year. From Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers, and now with Jordan Love, the Packers have had legendary talent but too often failed to finish the job.”
The bluntness of Smith’s words left Packers Nation stunned. To praise Green Bay’s foundation but then accuse the franchise of squandering its golden opportunities cut deep.
Packers Nation Divided
Reactions in Wisconsin were immediate — and divided:
“If Emmitt Smith says it, maybe it’s true. Too many great years, not enough rings.”
“Easy for him to talk — the Cowboys haven’t been relevant in decades.”
“He’s right about wasted greatness, but he doesn’t need to rub it in.”
Some Packers fans admitted the pain of falling short despite Hall of Fame quarterbacks. Others lashed out, pointing to the Cowboys’ own playoff drought as proof Smith had no ground to stand on.
Cowboys Fans Fuming
Back in Dallas, many fans were furious. For them, Smith’s comments felt like crossing a line:
“Why is Emmitt giving the Packers credit at all? He should never praise our rivals.”
“He’s stirring drama for clicks. Cowboys Nation deserves loyalty, not mixed messages.”
“Even our legends can’t stop talking about the Packers. That’s the problem.”
The emotional backlash highlighted just how raw the Cowboys-Packers rivalry remains — a feud built on decades of playoff clashes and unforgettable heartbreaks.
The NFL Buzzes With Fury
Beyond Green Bay and Dallas, Smith’s remarks became the hottest topic in sports media. Analysts debated whether he was telling a harsh truth or simply trying to provoke conversation.
ESPN’s morning show summed it up: “Emmitt gave the Packers respect, then ripped it away. It’s classic truth-telling, but it’s also gasoline on an old rivalry fire.”
The debate quickly spread across social media, with hashtags like
#EmmittVsPackers and #WastedGreatness trending nationwide.
Why Emmitt’s Words Sting So Much
The sting comes from Smith’s credibility. He’s not just a Cowboys great — he’s an NFL immortal. His three Super Bowl rings and record-setting career give his words weight.
By praising Green Bay’s toughness but attacking their legacy, he forced both fanbases to confront uncomfortable truths:
The Packers have had elite quarterbacks but fewer Lombardi Trophies than expected.
The Cowboys, despite their history, remain stuck in a decades-long championship drought.
In one fiery statement, Smith reminded the NFL of both franchises’ haunting realities.
Final Word
Emmitt Smith’s eruption proves why legends’ voices matter: they cut through the noise and spark conversations that hit fans where it hurts most.
For Packers Nation, his words were a bitter mix of pride and pain. For Cowboys fans, they felt like betrayal from one of their own. For the NFL, it was yet another reminder that rivalries aren’t just played on the field — they live in the words of legends.
Whether you agree or not, one thing is clear: Smith has ensured that the next Cowboys-Packers clash won’t just be about football — it will be about pride, legacy, and proving him wrong.
