The teams we support and the ones we play for stay with us, running deep in ways that are difficult to shake off. Something similar seems to be the case with a new Pittsburgh Steelers coach who spent most of his NFL career as a Cincinnati Bengals player.

Domata Peko, who joined the Steelers as their defensive line coach in February, opened up to reporters about what he enjoyed most during his playing days.

“I just enjoy the rivalries, man. I just remember playing back when I was with the Bengals. It was like a bloodbath every time we played [the Steelers],” Peko said.

Peko played for the Bengals from 2006 to 2016 before joining the Denver Broncos. Of the 171 games he played for the franchise, 24 came against the Steelers, and he won just eight of them.

“I remember that was like the most sore I've ever felt after games was when we played in the AFC North here versus Steelers,” Peko added. “But you always got to respect your opponents, right? So I have nothing but love for the Steelers, even when I was in Cincinnati.” 

The most memorable incident from Peko's playing days against the Steelers came during the 2015 season. It was a Wild Card matchup where Cincinnati lost 16-18 to Pittsburgh.

The game was filled with penalties, and after the final whistle, Peko came onto the field and shoved a Steelers player. He was later fined $8,681 by the NFL.

One of those penalties involved Joey Porter Sr., who was the Steelers' linebacker coach at the time. Now, the same team Peko is coaching has Porter's son on its roster.

Domata Peko Tells Joey Porter Jr. to Say Hi to His Dad

Domata Peko is now "Steelers nation all day" and is excited to "wear black and gold," but old memories do not fade so easily. Reporters asked him whether he had spoken to Joey Porter Jr. about the playoff incident involving his father.

"I just be talking about, just saying what's up and telling him to say what's up to his dad and all those things. But yeah, that's one of the memories you try to forget," Peko said.

That said, Peko embarks on a new journey with the Steelers after giving 15 years of his life to the NFL as a player.

"I know it's different from when I was in Cincy and stuff like that. But I was there as a player, now as a coach, man," Peko added. "I'm just trying to be the best I can and be the best version of myself here. And I'm excited, man, that the traditions, the culture, everything I've done in the past year. It's really good to be part of it."

Peko retired from the league after the 2020 season and last year served as the defensive line coach at the University of Colorado.

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Written by

Shubhi Rathore

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore