Now that the 2022 season is about to start, Pittsburgh Steelers longtime quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, has had a few months to reflect. The six-time Pro Bowler spent all 18 seasons of his legendary career in Pittsburgh. After 2021, his time was up, and the Steelers front office, mostly former general manager, Kevin Colbert, seemingly encouraged Roethlisberger's retirement.
Roethlisberger spent the waning weeks of his final season simply soaking up his last few moments in black and gold, and rightfully so. Now, he's had time to look back on some of the highs and lows of his career, including specific plays and games. In an article with Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Roethlisberger unveiled the favorite play of his career, to no one's surprise.
“The pass to Santonio [Holmes in Super Bowl XLIII against Arizona]. That’s what I dreamed of as a kid, to win the game. It wasn’t like it was to a wide-open guy. I still don’t think that pass gets enough credit. The catch was spectacular, don’t get me wrong. I don’t think the whole combination gets enough credit.”
That's a play that certainly epitomizes Roethlisberger and his greatness. When the Steelers needed it the most, with a Super Bowl on the line, he stands tall in the pocket, patiently waits and buys time, and makes an incredible throw. There's not a better moment you could ask for, as that remains one of the best plays in NFL history, especially considering the circumstances. What a catch as well from Santonio Holmes. That's the difference between one Super Bowl ring and two.
Santoino Holmes earned MVP honors for Super Bowl XLIII. | USA TODAY
I think we can all agree with that play as the best one of Roethlisberger's career. As for his favorite game, the same game as that aforementioned play, Super Bowl XLIII, would've been too easy of a pick. Instead, he had to choose his favorite game that wasn't a Super Bowl, as prefaced by Cook. Roethlisberger opted for a game that we should all remember.
“My last game at Heinz Field. That game was so incredibly special. That night was special. The fans. My family. The Browns. Monday Night Football. It couldn’t have been a sweeter way for me to go out. ”
What a way to go out for Ben Roethlisberger. Of course, he ended up playing the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Wild Card round a few weeks later, but that was the final home game of his career. Additionally, it ended up being the final game at Heinz Field. Other non-Super Bowl games that stand out from Roethlisberger's career include the back-to-back six touchdown performances in 2014. That two-game stretch is one of the most historic runs by a quarterback that you'll ever see.
Shout out to Ron Cook on an information-filled article with Roethlisberger. Job well done, and we'll miss seeing you suit up this season, 7. Until then, we'll hopefully see you around Heinz Field, or I meant, Acrisure Stadium, of course.
Credit: Getty Images
What are your favorite plays of Roethlisberger's career? What about your favorite games from his 18-year career? Do you agree with his selections? Let us know your memorable moments of his legendary career in the comment section below, yinz!
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