American · Lima, Ohio · Born 2 March 1982Ben Roethlisberger was a big-armed Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback who won two Super Bowl titles over an 18-season career.
Born in Lima, Ohio, in 1982, Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger developed his athletic foundation at Findlay High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He attended Miami University in Ohio, where he established himself as one of college football's premier quarterbacks, setting multiple school records and earning Mid-American Conference Player of the Year honors in 2003. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Roethlisberger 11th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, immediately inserting him into their starting lineup midway through his rookie season. His impact was immediate and sustained throughout an 18-season career spent entirely in Pittsburgh. At 6 feet 5 inches and 240 pounds, Roethlisberger developed a distinctive playing style that emphasized mobility, arm strength, and an uncanny ability to extend plays under pressure. His physical presence made him notoriously difficult to sack, allowing him to create opportunities from seemingly impossible situations. Roethlisberger's championship credentials include two Super Bowl victories: Super Bowl XL following the 2005 season, making him the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl at age 23, and Super Bowl XLIII after the 2008 season, where his game-winning touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds remaining became one of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history. He earned six Pro Bowl selections and finished his career with 64,088 passing yards and 418 touchdown passes, establishing himself as Pittsburgh's all-time leader in virtually every major passing category. Throughout his career, Roethlisberger demonstrated remarkable durability despite a physical playing style and several significant injuries, including a serious motorcycle accident in 2006. His retirement following the 2021 season marked the end of an era for the Steelers franchise, with his combination of clutch performance, longevity, and championship success cementing his status among the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history.
Pittsburgh Steelers two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback
How They Played
Physical, mobile pocket passer known for extending plays, strong arm, and ability to make throws while under pressure
Lasting Impact
Two-time Super Bowl champion known for extending plays with his mobility and leading game-winning drives in crucial moments
Career Honours
- 2x Super Bowl champion (XL, XLIII)
- 6x Pro Bowl
- 2004 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 2004–2021 | 249 |
American Athletes