The Pittsburgh Steelers are transitioning into their "new era," with a lot of changes taking place this offseason. The Steelers will have someone new under center for the 1st time in 18 years after QB Ben Roethlisberger called it a career at last season's end. And what a career it was! The Steelers will have a QB battle take place when training camp opens up next week on July 26th in Latrobe. Roethlisberger will be enjoying retirement and family, while the Steelers are working towards having a successful 2022 campaign, but he's content with that!
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers motions from the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
In an article published by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Friday, Roethlisberger spoke with Ron Cook this past Wednesday about many topics including what he's up to now.
“These days, I’m doing a lot of driving,”Roethlisberger said. “I’m a cab driver, an Uber driver, whatever you want to call it. It’s not a good time to have high gas prices.”
Roethlisberger is enjoying his dad duties though, this is what retirement is for. We all look forward to being able to retire to spend more time with those we love.
“There’s something about teaching them or doing it with them or just watching them do it that makes it so much neater, more special,” Roethlisberger stated Wednesday morning. “A lot of times now, I forget that I even played. I’m having so much fun with them.”
Credit: Ben Roethlisberger Twitter Page @_BigBen7
Roethlisberger is at peace during his retirement even though he felt like the Steelers we're ready to move on without him.
“It was mostly Kevin [Colbert]," Roethlisberger said matter-of-factly. He was ready to move on. I think Mike [Tomlin] was a little ready to move on, but I think he was OK with me coming back. I think Mr. [Art] Rooney really wanted me to come back last year to play."
Roethlisberger got what every player wants and called it a career under his own terms.
“I thought I went out on my terms. I never wanted to stay too long. I know some people might think I did. ‘You stayed last year.’ But I thought I played pretty well last year, to be honest. My arm feels like I still could go out and play. I’m pretty confident I could still play. But it’s every day. It’s mental. Not having to prepare for camp and the season has been the biggest blessing for me. I’m fine with where I’m at with everything.”
After a stellar 18-year career, Roethlisberger is happy he's spending more time with his family. He might even catch several games this upcoming season, just not from under center.
“But the boys already have said to me, ‘Dad, we’re going to every game, right?’ I’m thinking that’s one battle I might lose.”
Roethlisberger faces his own battle as the Steelers' quarterbacks battle it out to see who follows him as the team's next quarterback. You can set this one out 7, you've earned every minute of it!
“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. ❤
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