The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals do not like each other. That’s a fact that’s been reinforced over 55 years and 113 games between the AFC North rivals.
When Jalen Ramsey was ejected for throwing a punch late in Pittsburgh’s Week 11 win over the Bengals, it seemed like a logical venting of five-plus decades of gritty, physical showdowns. Ramsey has always been, well, let’s say boisterous. After his defense helped limit All-Pro wideout Chase to only three catches on 10 targets in a 34-12 win, it seemed like an escalating string of trash talk erupted on the field.
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Turns out, it was more than that. Ramsey was ejected for his role in the scuffle after turning things physical. But video evidence later showed Chase fired the first, viscous shot.
The NFL later suspended Chase for his Week 12 matchup with the New England Patriots after video showed him spitting on the Pittsburgh safety. Ramsey, on the other hand, won’t face any more discipline after his ejection. Head coach Mike Tomlin won’t be benching him — in fact, he’s pretty understanding about the whole ordeal.
Don’t expect Mike Tomlin to tell Jalen Ramsey he shouldn’t have punched Ja’Marr Chase after Chase spit on Ramsey.
Tomlin: «I have no message if someone spits in your face. Do what comes natural.» pic.twitter.com/bcPi5x3HF8
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) November 18, 2025
«I have no message,» Tomlin told reporters at his Tuesday press conference. «If someone spits in your face, do what comes natural.»
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Looks like Ramsey will be good to go — and continue talking trash — when the Steelers travel to face the Chicago Bears in Week 12.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Mike Tomlin had a 4-word response to Jalen Ramsey punching Ja’Marr Chase
