Kurt Warner has a message for Pittsburgh Steelers fans questioning his objectivity, saying his criticism of the team has nothing to do with Super Bowl 43.

After suggesting that the Steelers might struggle to make a deep playoff run, the former NFL MVP faced accusations that he was still bitter about losing to Pittsburgh in one of the most memorable Super Bowls in NFL history.

Warner pushed back, arguing that fans should challenge his football analysis rather than dismiss it as resentment over a defeat 17 years ago. His comments came days after he apologized for repeatedly confusing Steelers running back Jaylen Warren with Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren during an NFL Network broadcast in France.

Kurt Warner Explains Why He Doesn’t Believe in the Steelers

Warner doubted Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl prospects during Wednesday’s appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, arguing that the team’s offensive limitations could prevent it from competing with the AFC’s top contenders.

“I don’t think [they’re] gonna go very far,” Warner said. “When you look at the AFC and you look at the teams that you believe are gonna be around, the Cincinnatis and Kansas Citys and the Buffalos and the teams that can score points each and every time out. That’s the challenge for the Steelers right now. ‘How do we generate points?’”

The former quarterback’s assessment came despite Pittsburgh’s 5-2 start under head coach Mike McCarthy. Warner believes the Steelers’ difficulty producing explosive plays and consistently putting points on the board could become a problem against stronger opponents.

His comments did not sit well with some fans, who suggested his judgment was influenced by his own history against the franchise.

The two-time NFL MVP first responded to Steelers fans in the comments section, arguing that he had lost to every team in the NFL.

“The other thing is that the weakest comeback for analysis you don’t like is: “he’s salty bc we beat him.” Every team beat me & its over and done with! Argue why u disagree with MY POINTS, don’t just say that… it’s no fun & doesn’t give us ability to discuss!” Warner wrote.

One fan prompted a response from the four-time Pro Bowler by pinpointing the exact date that the Steelers defeated the Warner-led Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in Super Bowl XLIII to leave him with a 1-2 record in Super Bowls.

“But you are, in fact, salty because the Steelers beat you in Super Bowl XLIII, on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida,” the fan wrote.

“What is SALTY??? Am I disappointed I lost the SB, YES!!! Do I blame the Steelers bc they had great players make great plays to beat us… NO! That would be stupid! So what would I be SALTY about??? That just makes no sense, but it’s an easy way to deflect the points I make about their team now, as if I’m saying things bc of what happened 17 yrs ago!” Warner replied.

That Super Bowl game had several defining moments. Steelers linebacker James Harrison intercepted Warner near the goal line and returned the ball 100 yards for a touchdown just before halftime.

Arizona recovered to take a 23-20 lead late in the fourth quarter when Warner connected with Larry Fitzgerald for a 64-yard touchdown. However, Ben Roethlisberger led Pittsburgh down the field before finding Santonio Holmes for a six-yard touchdown with 35 seconds remaining.

Holmes’ catch was upheld on review, sealing Pittsburgh’s 27-23 victory and its sixth Super Bowl title. He finished with nine receptions for 131 yards and was named Super Bowl MVP.

The game remains a significant moment in both franchises’ histories, but Warner has continued to insist it has no bearing on his assessment of the current Steelers team.