After 18 seasons in the NFL, Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement on Thursday morning.
The long-serving quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers made the much-anticipated news on Twitter, formally ending one of the most decorated NFL careers in history.
A message from Ben:@steelers #NFL #SteelersNation #ThankYou#HereWeGo #LoveAndHonor pic.twitter.com/pUbKGO1nUs
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) January 27, 2022
Roethlisberger added, "I don't know how to put into words what the game of football has meant to me and what a blessing it has been." "While I am certain that I have given the game my best, I am overwhelmed with appreciation for everything it has given me." A Finley, Ohio native with NFL ambitions who blossomed at Oxford at Miami University and was rewarded with 18 seasons as a Pittsburgh Steeler and a place to call home. The trip has been thrilling, characterized by connections and propelled by a competitive attitude. However, the time has come to clean out my locker, hang up my cleats, and continue to be the best husband and father I can be to my family. "I'm a thankful man as I walk away from football."
The 39-year-old Roethlisberger had hinted at a transfer, and while there was a chance he might extend his career with another team, he will retire with the Steelers, where he holds virtually every important club quarterback record.
Roethlisberger went an NFL-record 18 seasons with the Steelers, one of the league's most historic clubs, without ever suffering a losing season. The Steelers were constantly in the mix with Roethlisberger at the helm, culminating in a Super Bowl XL victory with head coach Bill Cowher and a Super Bowl XLIII victory with Mike Tomlin.
In total, he guided the Steelers to three Super Bowl appearances (Pittsburgh was defeated by Green Bay in Super Bowl XLV), 12 postseason berths, and eight division titles.
Roethlisberger's career ranks among the all-time greats in terms of statistics.
He is eighth in throwing touchdowns (418) and fifth in passing yards (64,088), completions (5,440), and attempts (64,088). (8,443).
Roethlisberger leads the Steelers in QB victories, passing yards, passing touchdowns, completions, attempts, 300-yard passing games, game-winning drives, and fourth-quarter comebacks.
Roethlisberger's 165 victories are second only to Tom Brady's 165 with the New England Patriots for most quarterback victories in a single season.
Roethlisberger's domination in every other area provides an argument for being the finest quarterback in the history of one of the league's top clubs, despite the fact that the legendary Terry Bradshaw won four Super Bowl championships with the Steelers.
Roethlisberger's passing skill also marked a big shift for the legendary team, which had previously been famed for its defense and running game.
Big Ben was a starter from the start, taking over for Tommy Maddox as a rookie quarterback. He went 13-0 in his first season as a starter for a 15-1 Steelers team and was named AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year shortly after, emerging from a legendary 2004 first-round draft class that included fellow quarterbacks Eli Manning and Philip Rivers, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and safety Sean Taylor.
It was the start of a career that included six visits to the Pro Bowl.
While Roethlisberger's arm power has diminished in recent seasons, he led the NFL in passing yards with 5,129 yards only four years ago.
His ability to extend plays and hang in there to finish throws became a trademark, but it also contributed to him getting sacked more than any other quarterback (since at least 1970, per NFL Research).
Big Ben's tenacity was praised as he built a successful career and established himself as the Steelers' face.
It was a tumultuous career, to say the least.
In June of 2006, Roethlisberger was engaged in a serious motorcycle accident while not wearing a helmet.
A legal claim for sexual assault was launched against him in July 2009, and the case was settled. Roethlisberger was investigated for sexual assault in March 2010, but the district attorney decided not to bring charges. Due to a breach of the NFL's personal-conduct rules, Roethlisberger was banned for four games (down from six) to begin the 2010 season.
That season, Roethlisberger returned to lead the Steelers to a Super Bowl appearance, where they were defeated by Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV.
That visit came two seasons after Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl XLIII, 27-24, in an all-time nail-biter against the Arizona Cardinals. With 35 seconds left, Roethlisberger launched the game-winning 6-yard touchdown throw to Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes.
Following a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL, Roethlisberger had his first Super Bowl party. It was Roethlisberger's second season, and he made history by being the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl at the age of 23. Despite a running touchdown, he labored against Seattle, but as was typical of his career, a win was achieved regardless of how good, awful, or ugly things appeared.
Big Ben was drafted by the Steelers out of Miami (Ohio) 18 years ago with great expectations of becoming a franchise quarterback and adding to Pittsburgh's winning tradition.
He went above and above. In a period when Tom Brady and Peyton Manning carved out legendary careers, the Steelers were an AFC heavyweight almost every fall as Roethlisberger maintained Pittsburgh a contender.
Big Ben's career, which had been distinguished by steady success, has come to an end.
For the Steelers, it's now on to a new era, and for Roethlisberger, it's on to the Hall of Fame.
"You raise and inspire me, and you give my life meaning," Roethlisberger said on Thursday to his wife, Ashley, and his children Benjamin, Baylee, and Bodie. "I am very grateful for your love and support, and I adore you." Every step of the way, my parents and sister's love and support have pushed me to be the greatest and never give up. Thank you for believing in me and allowing me to battle with you in pursuit of excellence. To the Rooney family, the Tull family, coach Tomlin, coach [Bill] Cowher, and all the other coaches who have poured into me, thank you for believing in me and allowing me to battle with you in pursuit of excellence.
"I admire all of my colleagues and the innumerable friendships I've made, as well as our common dedication to wearing the black and gold with pride and respect. Putting on that shirt with my brothers every Sunday will always be one of my greatest thrills. Thank you for accepting and supporting me as your quarterback throughout the years, Steeler Nation, the finest fans in all of sports. Football has been a blessing, and I am grateful to God for enabling me to participate in it, for surrounding me with wonderful people, and for protecting me till the end. With respect and admiration."
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