Pittsburgh Steelers legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger just went on record, dropping a bombshell about an underrated running back he believes absolutely deserves a spot on a 53-man roster. We’re talking about Lew Nichols, and Big Ben is making it clear this guy is for real, whether it’s in Pittsburgh or with another squad. Roster cuts are flying left and right right now, and Nichols has earned some serious praise.
Big Ben’s Big Shoutout
On a new episode of his “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger” show, the legendary QB didn’t hold back, giving Nichols massive praise for his “high level of play this past month.” Roethlisberger was fired up, saying, “Nichols ran awesome last night.” He continued, “I think he, maybe, like said ‘Hey hey, don’t forget about me’. I think he did enough last night to get himself a job. If not here, somewhere, but I think here.” That’s high praise from a guy who knows what it takes to stick in the league. When a legend speaks like that, you have to listen.
Nichols’ Hard-Fought Journey to the Top
This isn’t some overnight success story, either. Nichols signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent back in 2023, but they released him in September of his rookie year. He bounced around, doing off-and-on stints with the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad from 2023 to 2025. Then he joined the Steelers in July 2025. He even got waived by Pittsburgh in the final cuts that year, only to be brought back via the practice squad, eventually making his NFL debut in 2025 against the Indianapolis Colts. Now, he’s “looked outstanding this preseason,” putting up 51 rushing yards on just 10 carries, plus grabbing two receptions for 15 receiving yards. That’s serious production that proves he’s capable of at least a depth role.
This whole situation is getting tense as final roster cuts loom. Nichols has put himself in a position where his potential spot on the 53-man roster could actually cost a fan-favorite rookie his place. That’s the real drama brewing right now, and everyone is watching to see how this plays out before the season officially kicks off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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