A little less than two decades ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted a young stud out of Miami University of Ohio, Ben Roethlisberger, and the organization hasn't looked back since. Now, here we are, 18 years, two Super Bowl Championships, and 64,088 passing yards later and the quarterback just announced his retirement at the end of January.
Ben Roethlisberger drops back to pass against New England in 2004. PHOTO/STEELERS.COM
Even in this exciting time of transitioning into a new era, Steeler Nation sometimes has to take a trip down memory lane and remember all the great times Roethlisberger hand delivered to us for 18 years. Like this, we can always talk about the beautiful catch that Santonio Holmes made, but the absolute dime from Roethlisberger was as breathtaking as it gets.
He's a 10 and a Super Bowl MVP 😏@ToneTime10 | More highlights on https://t.co/XL7UQstAvd pic.twitter.com/G3we0MSdts
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 3, 2022
So, what's the probable future first ballot Hall of Fame QB up to now? He's doing what we all want to in retirement, spending time with his family and friends, and working on his golf game.
The Pittsburgh Penguins celebrated the quarterback back in March as he participated in the ceremonial puck drop before the start of the game.
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 29: Ben Roethlisberger drops the ceremonial puck drop between Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Barclay Goodrow #21 of the New York Rangers at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 29, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Penguins even wore #7 jerseys during warm ups to honor Roethlisberger. And what an awesome sight it was!
Tribute to Big Ben tonight in Pittsburgh. @steelers @penguins. #herewego pic.twitter.com/moICsgtsX7
— Steve Mears (@MearsyNHL) March 29, 2022
We all work during our lives to get to the point of being able to spend so much more time with the most important people in our lives, our family and friends. Roethlisberger is doing just that.
"These photos speak for themselves about the wonderful men in our lives. Dad, Pops & Pappy, we love you all so much! We are truly blessed to have you in our lives. #HappyFathersDay." — Ashley, Benjamin Jr., Baylee & Bodie. ❤
I'm sure Father's Day was a lot more enjoyable this year for the 6x Pro Bowler, since the quarterback didn't have to worry about recovery and training after Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp.
"I’m pretty content with where I’m at. Being a bus driver, making lunches in the morning,” Roethlisberger explained.
The quarterback is just fine with where he is and what he's doing now. Thank you 7 for everything in your 18 years! Keep enjoying retirement and keep working on that golf swing!
If there's no coming out of retirement, then what's next for Roethlisberger's future in regards to the NFL? I think Roethlisberger's time with anything NFL related will be maybe attending a game or two at Heinz Field next season, but he will become eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027. So mark your calendars for that summer event.
Credit: Ben Roethlisberger Twitter Page @_BigBen7
What will yinz miss most about Roethlisberger? Are you still keeping up with all of his post-retirement activities? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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