What Happened to Ben Roethlisberger?

By Jason Bolton August 21, 2024 07:39

Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images

Ben Roethlisberger, a name synonymous with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football League (NFL), carved out an illustrious career that spanned almost two decades. Known fondly as "Big Ben," his journey from a promising rookie to a seasoned veteran is a tale of triumphs, challenges, and controversies that shaped his legacy and the franchise he represented.

Early Life and Road to Stardom

Draft and Rookie Season

The Miami University product was chosen with Pittsburgh's 11th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. His rookie year was phenomenal, as he went 13-0 in the regular season and became just the second QB ever to do so. Ben Roethlisberger led his team to a 15-1 finish. It would be a strong opening to his career, earning him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in what looked like could only launch a great one.

Super Bowl Success

Roethlisberger enjoyed early success as well. By the 2005 season, he led the Steelers to their first Super Bowl win since 1980, a victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. At only 23 years old, he was the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl and still is today. He was not great in the game, throwing for a measly 123 yards and two interceptions, but he showed leadership and poise on that final drive.

Roethlisberger added more accolades in 2008, taking the Steelers to another Super Bowl crown with a win over the Arizona Cardinals in Super XLIII. His game-winning touchdown throw to Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds remaining is widely considered one of the best plays in NFL history and only adds to his reputation as a clutch player.

Controversies and Outside the Lines

Legal Troubles

While Roethlisberger has enjoyed significant on-the-field success in Pittsburgh, he's also been the subject of plenty of off-the-field controversy. He was suspended six games at the beginning of the 2010 season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy after facing charges of sexual assault in Georgia that year. Though no charges were filed, the incident and those in its orbit questioned Viana's character and professionalism.

Fan Relations and Public Image

The controversies caused a rift between him, fans, and the media. Some Steelers fans forgave him, and others chastised him. Over time, Roethlisberger slowly regained his reputation, focusing on playing well and doing positive things for the community. Ultimately, his dedication to the team and Pittsburgh repaired a fractured relationship with much of the fan base.

Injuries and Their Impact

Injury Struggles

Roethlisberger has dealt with his fair share of injuries, which have hurt him in terms of player performance and playing time. He gained additional notoriety after missing the entire 2019 season with a serious elbow injury for which he had to undergo surgery. The injury brought new questions on his long-term availability as a player in the NFL and began rumors about his tenure with the Steelers.

He has also had a concussion, foot sprain, and multiple rib fractures in his career. Nonetheless, he has demonstrated remarkable fortitude, frequently returning to the field quickly following injuries. In 2018, for example, he played with a fractured rib that showcased his toughness and dedication to the team.

Performance Post-Injury

Following his elbow injury, Roethlisberger got back on the pitch in 2020 and started calling plays for a standout Steelers renaissance. But as the season wore on, his play progressively fell off to a point where many began asking whether or not he was a suitable No. 1 quarterback in this league. Critics instead noted his age and a history of injuries constraining him from slipping into another gear.

Legacy and Retirement

Career Statistics

Roethlisberger was fifth all-time in NFL career passing yards (64,088) and eighth in passing touchdowns (418) when he retired. A career 93.5 passer rating and a 64.4% completion percentage are among the many ways he's been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in NFL history. He is also the all-time leader in victories by a starting quarterback, further cementing his place among Steelers' immortals.

Steelers connection

Breaking this all down, the details of Roethlisberger's return are complicated and fraught with various layers. Though he is the star who has helped lift it there, his noxious off-field behavior and on-the-field instability have made for awkward moments. However, his loyalty to the franchise and the city of Pittsburgh has been unyielding. His words and actions throughout his career have shown how grateful he is for the support from the organization and its fans.

Final Years and Retirement

Late into his career, Roethlisberger was criticized for his on-field play and leadership capabilities in the twilight years of a storied tenure. But through it all, he remained a captain in the locker room. His retirement was final in January 2022, bringing to an end the decorated career that had a lasting impact on both the NFL and Pittsburgh Steelers lore.

The fact that Ben Roethlisberger lasted 18 years in the NFL while explaining aspects of his game-changing talent and illustrating how brutal professional sports can be. From the heights of his early success and Super Bowl victories to the depths of controversy, suspensions, and injuries that have challenged him throughout, Roethlisberger's path has followed all those ebbs and flows associated with a long NFL career. His legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history is safe, and his imprint on the Pittsburgh Steelers will be felt for generations. For fans to reminisce about his acmes, they think not just of the measurements and awards but also recollect snapshots of triumph and difficulty which portrayed "Big Ben."