Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger called out receiver Martavis Bryant this week, but anyone who worries that could create a rift between the two need not.
In fact, Bryant said that when he heard Roethlisberger publicly call on him to “toughen up,” he appreciated what the Steelers’ veteran quarterback had to say.
“I’m happy he issued out the challenge,” Bryant said, via ESPN. “I accept it.”
Bryant said he thinks a quarterback’s role on the team is to function as a leader.
“If he feels you need to step up your game, it’s his job to call you out,” Bryant said. “I’m happy he did it. It woke me up. I’m ready to work. . . . He wants to see me be great.”
A great game from Bryant would go a long way toward getting the Steelers a win on Saturday in Cincinnati. Roethlisberger knows that, and Bryant seems to know it as well.