Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger became a city icon. In his 18 seasons as the team's starting quarterback, he built up quite the resume, including helping the Steelers get their fifth and sixth Super Bowls. It was bound to eventually happen, but his retirement last off-season officially marked the end of an era.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Friday marks exactly one year since the quarterback officially retired. Since, he has started up his own podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, which has done quite well. It's allowed fans to be able to still connect with him even after his retirement, hearing his firsthand opinion on several topics within the sport.
A message from Ben:@steelers #NFL #SteelersNation #ThankYou#HereWeGo #LoveAndHonor pic.twitter.com/pUbKGO1nUs
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) January 27, 2022
January 27th is actually quite the day in Steelers history. Beyond Roethlisberger's retirement anniversary, it also marks 54 years since the hiring of legendary head coach, Chuck Noll. The Steelers franchise is known as being consistent, with three primary coaches in its history. Noll was the first of those coaches and put the franchise on the map.
Also, the Steelers drafted Mel Blount 53 years ago Friday. Blount became one of the best cornerbacks of all-time and arguably remains the best CB in team history. Since Friday does mark a year since Roethlisberger's retirement though, let's take a look back at his final home game.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback, Mel Blount comes back to Pittsburgh for a game in 2022. Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
For many, it's become a memory that you remember where you were, who you were watching with, and the specific details on the night. Thankfully for Roethlisberger, he was able to finish up against the team he dominated his whole career, the Cleveland Browns.
It actually ended up being quite an underwhelming performance, as Roethlisberger went 24-for-46 (52.2%) on the night for just 123 yards. That's right, just 2.7 yards per pass attempt. Steeler fans in attendance got to see his final touchdown pass at Heinz Field though, which would also end up being the last one under that stadium name.
Diontae Johnson was fittingly on the receiving end of Roethlisberger's last home TD. The two developed quite the chemistry on the back end of Roethlisberger's career. It led to a career year for Johnson in 2021, as he made his first career Pro Bowl and got a nice extension in the off-season.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Based off the struggles Johnson had this year, it's obvious to look back and see how good of a chemistry he had with the future Hall of Famer. After Antonio Brown's abrupt departure, Roethlisberger was left without a go-to target. Johnson's separation and ability after the catch drew comparisons to Brown, so it's no surprise that No. 7 targeted the wide out often.
While Steeler Nation is grateful for Kenny Pickett, Roethlisberger will forever be missed. He retired as one of the best quarterbacks ever, right there with Terry Bradshaw for the best one in team history. Hopefully, Pickett can become the next franchise guy for head coach, Mike Tomlin.
Where were you when you watched Roethlisberger's final home game? What are your favorite memories from his long career? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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