Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger Sr. also popular as Big Ben announced his retirement on January 27, 2022 after serving as the starting quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers for 18 seasons.
Roethlisberger made the announcement via Twitter as he posted a video where he said “The journey has been exhilarating, fueled by a spirit of competition,” continuing further “Yet the time has come to clean out my locker, hang up my cleats and continue to be all I can be to my wife and children. I retire from football a truly grateful man.”
Art Rooney II who is Steelers president said in a statement, “We are forever grateful for all the success he has helped bring to the organization for the past 18 years. Ben will always be viewed as one of the all-time greats in our team history and his determination, toughness and competitiveness will be remembered by everyone in the organization as well as Steeler Nation throughout the world.”
Furthermore, former Steelers’ coach, Bill Cowher said in a video that was posted on Twitter by the team “When I think about you, you identify and you represent everything a Pittsburgh Steeler is,” adding “You played with grit, determination and a degree of toughness. I congratulate you on a job well done and without a doubt, I will see you in Canton. Kudos.”
It was confirmed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame that he will be qualified for selection in 2027.
After playing his final game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Roethlisberger said “I’ve been here a long time and it’s been a lot of fun,” he said “God has blessed me. We joke a lot about the Browns and going in there, but it was meant to be that I was going to wear black and gold. Draft day I had a black suit with a gold tie. I’m just so thankful.”
“I hope that I’m able to pass the legacy of what it is to be a Steeler from Dan Rooney. So hopefully I can pass some of that on to some of the guys that can continue the tradition of what it means to be a Steeler and get passed down,” he added.
Roethlisberger Achievements
Roethlisberger triumphed in his first Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks and after three years, he won another when he won against the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. Throughout his career with the franchise, he holds a record for 165 regular-season wins, which marks the fifth highest in NFL history.
His fellow teammate Cam Heyward said “Ben has always been a fighter,” adding “Always given us a chance. He’s battled a lot. He’s been rewarded with two Super Bowls, but we needed every bit of Ben Roethlisberger in every game he’s played. You can’t just replicate that.”
JuJu Smith-Schuster and T.J. Watt also praised him via Twitter:
Thanks for everything, 7. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/xSdWqCnE2Q
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) January 27, 2022
Legend. https://t.co/fVlzGKoozA
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) January 27, 2022
The announcement of his retirement hasn’t emerged as a surprise. After the 2020 season, he signed a 1-year extension to reduce his salary and cap hit and get back for one more shot at a third Super Bowl championship.
He said “Almost half of my life has been here playing football for the Steelers,” adding “That’s why I told them I would take a pay cut to stay here to help this team because this is what I believe in, this group and this city. To each quarterback out there, to each their own, but this is home and this is why I’m honored to have my career be here.”
In the final weeks of the 2021 season, Roethlisberger recognized that all signs were pointing toward the Week 17 game against the Browns being his last home game. Following the Steelers defeating the Browns, Roethlisberger ran all over the stadium.
He said “This is home,” adding “I was born in Ohio, but I live here and I’ll always be here. These fans and this place means so much to me and my family and always will. I’ve always said they’re the best fans in all of sports and I’ll stick by that [’til] the day I die.”
“To see all the signs and jerseys and towels and to hear them cheer for me coming out of the tunnel, all that stuff, I don’t know that I’ll ever put it into words. I wish I could bottle it and have it forever. But I will in here and in my mind” Roethlisberger.
He is now focusing on enjoying his time with his family now that he has retired. While opening up about the next phase of his life after his last game, he said “I am excited, just because I get to go home,” adding further “We’ve got snow, so the kids are already planning tubing and doing sledding and stuff.
So being a husband and father, you never take a day off. You’ve got to keep going and so, as we move from one chapter to the next, it’s going to be different, but it’s going to be fun, it’s going to be a challenge and I’m looking forward to it.”
Final Words
So, Roethlisberger is now enjoying his post-retirement phase with his family. Stay tuned with Venturejolt for more such news.