Former NFL linebacker Vontaze Burfict has reignited one of football's biggest rivalries. Burfict, who used to play for the Cincinnati Bengals, was famous for his incredibly aggressive play, heavy fines, and multiple suspensions. 

In a recent livestream, Burfict finally admitted something that Pittsburgh Steelers fans had suspected for years. He revealed that he used to go out of his way to target their team.

According to reports on social media, Burfict confessed that his deep hatred for the Steelers drove him to push the limits on the field. 

“Former #Bengals  linebacker Vontaze Burfict admitted that his hatred for the Pittsburgh #Steelers played into how far he was willing to go.  Burfict said he did not hit players after the play "all the time," adding that it was "just the Steelers": A post by NFL Rumors on X reported.

These comments bring back memories of the intense battles between the Bengals and the Steelers during the 2010s. Their games were famously violent, often resulting in personal fouls, players getting thrown out, and heavy fines.

And Burfict was almost always at the center of the drama. 

During his career, Burfict injured several key Steelers stars. He made a tackle that tore running back Le'Veon Bell's knee ligament and injured quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's shoulder. He also knocked out wide receiver Antonio Brown with an infamous hit to the head.

This Isn’t The First Time LB Vontaze Burfict Has Showed His Hate Towards The Steelers

Linebacker Vontaze Burfict led the Bengals' defense for seven seasons. Burfict peaked in 2013, earning Pro Bowl honors and leading the NFL with 171 tackles. 

However, chronic injuries and safety-related suspensions severely capped his availability, preventing him from playing more than 11 games in any of his final five seasons with Cincinnati.

During his tenure (2012–2018), he racked up 604 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 5 interceptions. He also recorded 4 forced fumbles over 75 games and 73 starts. 

Burfict always claimed he played real football, but that wasn't completely true. He simply harbored a deep hate for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Back in 2016, he made his feelings clear after a practice session, "I hate Pittsburgh. It's not personal. That's just the way it is."

His unapologetic, physical approach reshaped player safety rules but cost him dearly. Ultimately, Burfict racked up over $5 million in fines. He missed 22 games due to league suspensions. He was ejected multiple times and even led the NFL in personal fouls for a full season.

Finally, now in 2026, he seems to have candidly opened up about his feelings for the team.

Read more at the Cincinnati Bengals Community!

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit