BREAKING NEWS: Steelers President Art Rooney II Calls for NFL Discipline on Browns QB After Punching Defender in Face
PITTSBURGH, PA – October 13, 2025
In a moment that sent shockwaves through the NFL, tensions between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns reignited on Sunday after a violent on-field altercation. Late in the fourth quarter, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson appeared to throw a punch at Steelers defensive end Alex Highsmith following a heated exchange near the sideline.
Referees quickly intervened, separating players as tempers flared, but to the dismay of Pittsburgh fans, no ejection was made. The play resulted only in offsetting penalties, leaving many questioning the league’s consistency in handling such incidents.
By Monday morning, Steelers president Art Rooney II publicly addressed the matter, demanding immediate disciplinary action from the NFL. In a statement released through the team’s official channels, Rooney emphasized the league’s duty to protect player safety and uphold professional standards.
“There’s no place in this league for throwing punches — especially from a quarterback. The NFL has worked too hard to promote sportsmanship and integrity to let something like this slide,” Rooney stated. “We expect accountability. Players, regardless of position or status, must be held to the same standard.”
This marks one of the strongest public comments from Rooney in recent years, echoing the organization’s frustration over what they view as inconsistent enforcement of conduct rules.
The incident immediately drew comparisons to the infamous 2019 Myles Garrett–Mason Rudolph brawl, which also took place during a Steelers-Browns clash and led to one of the longest suspensions in NFL history for an on-field act.
NFL officials have confirmed that the league’s disciplinary office is reviewing the footage and will issue a decision within the next 48 hours. Depending on findings, Watson could face fines or a multi-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Meanwhile, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin remained diplomatic in his post-game comments, focusing on his team’s composure: “Our guys handled it the right way — they stayed focused and didn’t let emotion take over. That’s how professionals respond.”
As the rivalry between these two AFC North powerhouses continues to burn hotter than ever, the league now faces mounting pressure to make an example of this incident.
Whether or not the NFL decides to hand down a punishment, one thing is certain — Art Rooney II’s message was heard loud and clear across the football world: player safety and respect for the game are non-negotiable.
