The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, 27-23. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions for fans of both teams. The Steelers started the scoring with a field goal in the first quarter, and while Pittsburgh scored again in the second quarter, the Cardinals quickly responded. As the half was winding down, the Steelers led 10-7.
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Steelers' James Harrison runs with the football after intercepting Cardinals QB Kurt Warner in Super Bowl XLIII.
With just :18 seconds left in the first half, Kurt Warner dropped back to pass on first and goal. James Harrison intercepted Warner's throw and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown, giving the Steelers a 17-7 lead at halftime.
The stress of that game for Steelers fans didn't end there. With just under three minutes left in the game, the Steelers trailed 23-20 after Larry Fitzgerald's 64-yard touchdown reception. Pittsburgh needed a miracle, and they got it. Eight plays and 78 yards later, Ben Roethlisberger threw a pass to Santonio Holmes, who made a historic catch.
While this play is remembered as one of the greatest ever, Steelers legendary tight end, Heath Miller believes Roethlisberger deserves more credit for it. Miller shared his perspective on the Green Light podcast, detailing the play from his vantage point.
“Then for Ben’s play, it was amazing. It was one of the greatest throws and catches, people always talk about the catch, which was amazing by Santonio, but if you look at the throw and what he had to navigate to throw that ball over and into Santonio’s arms, it was the perfect pass at the perfect time.”
Miller deliberately called it "Ben's play," not to diminish Holmes' contribution, but to highlight Roethlisberger's role.
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Steelers' Santonio Holmes makes incredible catch during Super Bowl XLIII.
He acknowledges Holmes' tremendous catch and the credit he deserves, but Miller believes Roethlisberger hasn't received enough recognition for his throw. After the play, Miller vividly remembers what was going through his mind.
“I was on the other side of the field coming across and I don’t know, I think it was too good for me to believe because I was like there is no way. There is no way. Everyone was celebrating and I was like, ‘Guys, stay calm, we may have to score again if this is incomplete.’ It was an amazing play and I was fortunate enough to have been on the field for both of those.”
It's rare for a quarterback to need more credit. Typically, they get all the blame when they lose and all the praise when they win. When you look at pictures of the miracle game-winning pass in Super Bowl XLIII, it’s hard to find an image of Roethlisberger throwing the pass. That's because the catch was so sensational.
Steelers' Heath Miller Grew Up Playing Quarterback
Miller, who grew up playing quarterback, understood just how difficult and tremendous Roethlisberger’s throw was. When you think of that play, you remember Holmes’ incredible toe-tap and his concentration to maintain control of the football. Miller encourages fans to appreciate how insane Roethlisberger’s pass was as well.
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Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger talks to tight end Heath Miller during a game in Pittsburgh.
Winning that Super Bowl gave Pittsburgh their sixth title. It's been a long time since the Steelers were in Super Bowl conversations, but the 2024 season has a lot for Steelers fans to be excited about. Pittsburgh made numerous upgrades this offseason, and the time is now for the Steelers to get back in the hunt for their seventh championship.
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