Ben Roethlisberger

At 42 years old, Ben Roethlisberger has this physical status:

Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger Sr. (born March 2, 1982), nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL).

He played college football at Miami University, and was drafted by the Steelers in the first round (11th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft. Roethlisberger earned the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2004 and his first Pro Bowl selection in 2007.

He became the youngest Super Bowl-winning quarterback in NFL history, leading the Steelers, in only his second professional season, to a 21–10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL at the age of 23.

Roethlisberger led the Steelers to a second Super Bowl title in four seasons as they defeated the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, 27–23, after completing a game-winning touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds left in the game.

He appeared in his third Super Bowl in Super Bowl XLV, but the team would fall by a score of 31–25 to the Green Bay Packers. Roethlisberger has been one of the most efficient passers in NFL history.

He currently ranks 6th all-time in NFL career passing yards, 9th all-time in passer rating (94.0), tied for 6th in yards per attempt (7.93), and tied for 10th in completion percentage (63.85%) among quarterbacks with a minimum of 1,500 career attempts.

He has the fourth highest career winning percentage (.710) as a starter in the regular season among quarterbacks with a minimum of 100 starts.

He is one of six quarterbacks in NFL history to have beaten at least 31 of the current NFL teams.Known for playing outside the pocket in what he calls "backyard football", Roethlisberger grew up idolizing John Elway, and has often been compared to him.

Roethlisberger wears number 7 in Elway's honor.

Personal life

Roethlisberger was born in Lima, Ohio, the son of Ida Jane (née Foust) and Kenneth Todd "Ken" Roethlisberger. His father is a former pitcher and quarterback at Georgia Tech. He is of part Swiss descent; his surname, Roethlisberger (Swiss-German spelling: Röthlisberger), is of Swiss origin, with roots in Geissbühl, a farming hamlet in the municipality of Lauperswil, Switzerland. His younger sister, Carlee Roethlisberger, played basketball for the University of Oklahoma.

On July 23, 2011, Roethlisberger married Ashley Harlan, a physician assistant from New Castle, Pennsylvania. He and his wife have three children, Ben Jr., Baylee, and Bodie.

Roethlisberger is a Christian. Roethlisberger grew up as a Christian but recommitted to his faith in 2017. Roethlisberger has said "Go ahead and be the best athlete you can possibly be, and see if you can be a better Christian. That's what I'm trying to do now. I'm trying to be a better Christian than I am athlete and football player."

Roethlisberger is a spokesman for Swiss Roots, a campaign intended to help Americans of Swiss origin reconnect with their Swiss ancestral heritage. In May 2006, Roethlisberger and his family traveled to Switzerland for a week.

He has his own line of barbecue sauce, Big Ben's BBQ.

In 2012, Roethlisberger returned to Miami University to complete his college degree, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education on May 6, 2012. Roethlisberger walked with the other graduates at the commencement ceremony, with his parents, grandmother, and wife Ashley in attendance. He had planned on finishing his degree sooner, but the Steelers having deep playoff runs earlier in his career prevented him from registering for classes in time for the winter term, only being able to do it after the Steelers were eliminated in the Wild Card round against the Denver Broncos the previous season. Roethlisberger became the second member of the Steelers in less than a year to return to college and complete his degree, with teammate Polamalu doing the same thing the previous off-season during the 2011 NFL lockout.

Roethlisberger was suspended for four games during the 2010 NFL season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

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High school career

Roethlisberger, a football, basketball, and baseball player at Findlay High School in Findlay, Ohio, was the captain of the Trojans' football, basketball, and baseball teams. Roethlisberger did not play quarterback until his senior year, leaving the coach's son, Ryan Hite, to replace him. Roethlisberger, in lieu, played wide receiver. In a 2004 interview with the Toledo Blade, Hite admitted that "I'm a nationally known knucklehead in many people's eyes," he said, but that his decision was not an act of nepotism or miscalculation. "We did a slew of drills and my son throwing to Ben was a better combination," he said.

Ken Roethlisberger, a former Georgia Tech quarterback, has never chastised Hite for playing Ryan before his son Ben was announced. "It was a coach's call," he says. You make good ones but you make bad ones. And no, I'm not even saying this was a bad one. We can now say that it was now, but how can we know for sure?" Ryan Hite came from Denison University, where as a wide receiver, he set several career and single-season records by the time he graduated from college.

College career

Roethlisberger played football at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, for college. He was redshirted his first season after arriving in Miami in 2000. In the 31-13 loss, he made his collegiate debut against Michigan, throwing 18 of 35 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns. He set the school single-game passing record with 399 passing yards against Akron, with 70 of those yards coming on a Hail Mary to Eddie Tillitz to win the game by a score of 30-27 as time expired. In the 24-21 victory over Miami, he had two touchdowns and 305 passing yards, breaking the MAC freshman passing record. In the 52-51 loss to Hawaii, he tied school records for attempts, completions, and yardage. He spent his first year with the Redhawks, with 3,105 passing yards, 241 completions, and 25 touchdown completions, leading them to a 7–5 record.

Roethlisberger's second season as the RedHawks starter was characterized by a 7-0 record. In a 48-41 loss to Northern Illinois on October 12, he tied for 525 yards and four touchdowns, setting a new MAC single-game record for passing yards. In the 27–13 victory over Toledo, he earned the MAC East Special Teams Player of the Week for three punts that landed inside the 20th. In 2002, he set a single-season record of 3,238 passing yards and 271 completions.

Roethlisberger led the Miami RedHawks to an unbeaten record in the MAC, 12 straight victories, a #10 ranking in the Associated Press poll, and a 49–28 victory over Louisville in the 2003 GMAC Bowl, starting the season off with a loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes. He finished his 2003 season with a conference-leading 343 completions, 4,486 passing yards, and 37 passing touchdowns, all three categories, surpassing school single-season records in all three categories. For the 2003 season, he was named as the MAC Offensive Player of the Year.

During homecoming on October 13, 2007, the RedHawks played against Bowling Green; his jersey number 7 was retired by the RedHawks. Roethlisberger was the third celebrity to have his number retired in Miami football history, joining John Pont and Bob Hitchens. For the first time in 34 years, Roethlisberger's number was removed from a football jersey number.

All records are from the Miami University 2008 media guide.

Professional career

In 2000, when ESPN began airing MAC games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays—days before other football was on television—much like Roethlisberger's teams. The 2003 Miami Redhawks' triumph fuelled the apprehension that he would be drafted early. Roethlisberger scored a 25 on the Wonderlic at the combine. Commentators on the GMAC Bowl addressed some of his attributes that could be useful in the NFL. Roethlisberger was one of the players invited to the draft along with others in the "Green Room" and was featured on the television show Hey Rookie, Welcome to the NFL.

Roethlisberger, the second-most highly awaited quarterback behind Ole Miss' Eli Manning in the 2004 NFL Draft, was the second-most coveted quarterback behind Ole Miss' Eli Manning. Manning was expected to be drafted by the New York Giants as the fourth overall pick, with the San Diego Chargers taking first overall. Although Manning was drafted by the Chargers, the Giants instead selected NC State quarterback Philip Rivers as part of a trade agreement that brought Manning to the Giants and Rivers to the Chargers. Roethlisberger finished 11th overall, making him the team's best-drafted quarterback and the top draft pick since selecting Terry Bradshaw first overall in 1970.

Roethlisberger was almost not chosen by the Steelers as head coach Bill Cowher and director of football operations Kevin Colbert had intended to pick Arkansas guard Shawn Andrews. However, Steelers owner Dan Rooney overruled both Cowher and Colbert on learning that Roethlisberger was still available and the Steelers weren't interested in another passing on a franchise quarterback as they had done in the 1983 NFL Draft, while local product Dan Marino was still available. When Roethlisberger got the phone call from Cowher, he confirmed his selection before it was officially announced by Paul Tagliabue.

Roethlisberger, Manning and Rivers were among the 17 quarterbacks selected in the 2004 NFL Draft, alongside Manning and Rivers. Both three players will have lengthy and fruitful careers with their clubs, which also included Hall of Fame quarterbacks John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Marino, among others in the infamous 1983 Draft. Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl champion and six-time Pro Bowler, leads the three teams in wins, winning percentage, and regular appearances. In addition,, he had the longest career of the three years.

Roethlisberger completed a six-year deal with the Steelers worth $22.26 million in salaries and bonuses, as well as an additional $17.73 million in incentives, on August 4, 2008. Bill Cowher, the Steelers' head coach, was promoting him as a franchise quarterback in a press conference.

He made his rookie season as the third quarterback on the depth chart behind veterans Tommy Maddox and Charlie Batch. Roethlisberger took over the backup quarterback role when Batch was hurt in the preseason, but Roethlisberger took over as the Preseason began. Maddox started the season opener against the Oakland Raiders and won, as well as a match against the Baltimore Ravens, but Roethlisberger took the field for his first NFL action after an ineffective outing and third-quarter injury to Maddox. Despite triggering a modest rebound, the Steelers lost by 30-13 to the Ravens, ending in a score of 30–13. Roethlisberger completed 12 of 20 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns, as well as two interceptions, on his first appearance against the Ravens. On a three-yard pass to Antwaan Randle El, he threw his first career touchdown, as well as his first career interception to Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas during the game. Maddox's injury changed the Steelers' original plan for Roethlisberger, who was supposed to sit on the bench or play sparingly during the first season or two in order to learn the team's system. Rather, he started his third game of the season against the Miami Dolphins, winning by 12 of 22 completions, 163 passing yards, one touchdown, and an intercept. In Week 6, he was 21 of 25 for 193 passing yards and two touchdowns, earning his first AFC Offensive Player of the Week award.

As a rookie, he went 13-0 in the regular season (14–1 including playoffs), helping the Steelers get their first AFC team to win (15–1 under Roethlisberger) in a single regular season, defeating former Steeler Mike Kruczek for the first AFC team to win (15–0), beating the record for rookie victories (6–0) and beating Joe Ferguson's record for total wins as a rookie (13–0). The Associated Press unanimously selected Roethlisberger as the first quarterback to be voted the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year on January 5, the first quarterback in 34 years to be so honoured. In addition, he was selected to the NFL All-Rookie Team.

He played in one of his best games, leading the Steelers to a 34-20 victory over the reigning Super Bowl champion and the previously undefeated New England Patriots, snapping their NFL-record 21-game winning streak. He completed 18 of 24 pass attempts for 196 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers. The Steelers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, who had previously undefeated, 27–3, with Roethlisberger going 11 of 18 for 183 yards and one interception.

He aided the Steelers to a 17–16 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 5. On the night, he was near-perfect, throwing 14 of 17 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns. The Steelers and Roethlisberger's tenth straight victory was based on Jeff Reed's 37-yard field goal in the final minute.

Roethlisberger faced the New York Giants and the first overall pick of the 2004 draft, Eli Manning, two weeks later. Roethlisberger had his first 300-yard passing game in his career, with 18 of 28 passes for 316 yards and a touchdown. He was on his fifth game-winning effort of the season, caping a run with a Jerome Bettis touchdown for a 33-33 win. Eli Manning scored an intercept with 3:19 remaining to win the game for Pittsburgh.

Roethlisberger threw two interceptions against the New York Jets in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. One interception was returned for a touchdown and the other was kicked with 2:03 left in the fourth quarter, putting up a potential game-winning field goal by Jets kicker Doug Brien. Brien missed the kick as time expired (his second missed kick in the last two minutes of the game), bringing the game into overtime. In overtime, Roethlisberger led the Steelers down the field and put them in position for the game-winning field goal, a 33-yard attempt made by Jeff Reed, winning the AFC Championship for the fourth time in ten years.

Roethlisberger had 14 of 24 pass attempts for 226 yards and two touchdowns, but he also had three costly interceptions, one of which was returned 87 yards for a touchdown by Rodney Harrison, on January 23 in Pittsburgh's AFC Championship Game. By a score of 41–27, the Steelers lost the game to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots.

The Steelers posted an 11-05 record in 2005 during the regular season. The Steelers won the AFC Wild Card playoffs in addition to victories over the Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks, who were en route to win in the Super Bowl.

Roethlisberger played in four games during the regular 2005 season due to various knee injuries. Roethlisberger at quarterback and 2–2 without him. With an 8.90 rating, he led the league in Yards Perpetuation and finished third in passer rating behind Peyton Manning and Carson Palmer with a 98.6.

On January 8, Roethlisberger led the Steelers to a Divisional Round playoff victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, an AFC North rival that had defeated the Steelers by seven points in the regular season to win the division championship. Both squads had similar records, with no team winning on the road. Carson Palmer's first throw was disfigured, with a tackle by former Bengal Kimo von Oelhoffen that resulted in Palmer's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) being completely torn. Jon Kitna, the Bengals' backup quarterback, came on and led the Bengals to victories of 10–0 and 17–7. However, the Steelers' 18–7 lead midway through the second quarter was the last time in the 2005 postseason that they trailed an opponent by more than three points. The Steelers took the next 24 straight points, as well as the win in a 31–17 victory in Cincinnati after Kitna failed to produce.

Roethlisberger led the Steelers against the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional Round on January 15, the NFL's top team and a strong favorite to represent the AFC in Super Bowl XL. Roethlisberger threw for 197 yards and recorded a game-saving tackle on Colts defensive back Nick Harper, who had just recovered a Jerome Bettis fumble with fewer than two minutes remaining in the game. Pittsburgh led early but lost 21–18 after a errant call that the NFL later admitted was a mistake that could have secured the game for the Steelers. Many people were compared to "The Immaculate Reception" in 1972, when Franco Harris made a miracle reception and scored the game-winning touchdown against the Oakland Raiders, Roethlisberger's tackle on Harper, nicknamed by some as The Tackle II or The Immaculate Redemption. The win was the first time a sixth-seeded NFL playoff team defeated the top-seeded team in playoff history.

The Steelers captured the AFC Championship and advanced to Super Bowl XL on January 22, 2006, defeating the Denver Broncos by a score of 34–17. On a four-yard play-action bootleg, Roethlisberger completed 21 of 29 passes for 275 yards, threw two touchdown passes, and scored one touchdown himself. His was the game's final touchdown of the season, sealing the victory for the Steelers.

On February 5, the Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21–10. Roethlisberger had one of his worst passing games of his career, completing only nine of 21 passes for 123 yards and two interceptions; his passer rating of 22.6 was the lowest in Super Bowl history by a winning quarterback. Despite the fact that he converted eight third-down situations in the game to help the Steelers win, none of them was greater than his 37-yard pass to Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward on a third-and-28 that set up the Steelers' first touchdown (a one-yard quarterback sneak by Roethlisberger on third and goal). Roethlisberger, 23, became the youngest quarterback to win the Super Bowl, a record set by Tom Brady of the New England Patriots.

Roethlisberger missed the first game of the 2006 season after suffering an emergency appendectomy on September 3 after an off-season motorcycle accident in which he was seriously injured. Charlie Batch started and led the Steelers to a victory over the Miami Dolphins. Roethlisberger appeared against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the following game. In a 9-0 loss, his return resulted in a subpar performance as he threw two interceptions with no touchdowns. In a 28-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Roethlisberger completed fewer than half of his passes for three interceptions and no touchdowns. In the final seconds of the game, in the end zone, the last interception ended Pittsburgh's comeback attempt.

Roethlisberger was productive throughout the first half against the San Diego Chargers in Week 5. He did throw two interceptions in the second half, both of which shifted momentum away from the Steelers and into the Chargers' 23-13 victory. Roethlisberger played his first big game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6, scoring 16 of 19 passes for 238 yards with two touchdowns (his first of the year) and no interceptions. Roethlisberger continued his success in Week 7 in Atlanta, going 16 of 22 for 237 yards and three touchdowns. However, Roethlisberger was helped off the field after suffering a concussion following a tense tackle by Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney during the third quarter. Roethlisberger was recalled by Charlie Batch, and the Steelers went on to lose 41–38 in overtime.

In a 20-13 upset loss, Roethlisberger threw four interceptions against the Oakland Raiders on October 29. The loss was his fifth game of the season, two more than he had in his first two seasons as a starter, but it did result in him receiving a total of 11 interceptions rather than just six touchdowns on the season. Roethlisberger threw for a career-high 433 yards against the Denver Broncos in Week 9, but the Steelers lost 3 of six turnovers, a 31-20 loss. In a home game against the New Orleans Saints a week later, Roethlisberger and the Steelers regained control. In a 38-31 victory, he passed for 265 yards and three touchdowns.

In Week 11, Roethlisberger overcame three first-half interceptions by throwing for 224 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, leading the Steelers to score 21 points and rallying past the Cleveland Browns 24-20. In a 27-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Roethlisberger and the Steelers were held scoreless the following week. For 214 yards and two interceptions, Roethlisberger finished 21 of 41 for 21 of 41. He was fired nine times, one by Ravens linebacker Bart Scott, who sent him to the sidelines for a brief time. He fumbled once more, and the Ravens recovered for a touchdown in the second half. In a 20–3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Roethlisberger came back to play in the following game, throwing for 198 yards and two touchdowns.

Pittsburgh beat the Browns 27–7 on Week 14 to keep their playoff hopes alive. Roethlisberger went 11 of 21 for 225 yards with one touchdown and one more. In Week 15, Roethlisberger threw for 140 yards and a touchdown in a 37–3 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Baltimore eliminated Pittsburgh from the playoffs the following week. Roethlisberger was intercepted twice and threw for 156 yards during the 31–7 loss.

Roethlisberger ended the season on a high note by defeating the Cincinnati Bengals by a score of 23-17 in overtime and essentially banishing them from playoff contention in Bill Cowher's last game as the Steelers' head coach. He was 19 for 28 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Roethlisberger finished a slant pass to rookie Santonio Holmes, who went 67 yards for the game-winning touchdown in overtime.

Roethlisberger threw four touchdown passes in a game against the Cleveland Browns for the first time in his NFL career, as he led the Steelers to victory in the debut of new Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. In Week 4, Roethlisberger defeated his former offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, who was then the Cardinals' head coach. However, Roethlisberger's first loss of the season was recorded twice; once in the red zone and then on a desperation pass with six seconds remaining in the game.

Roethlisberger passed for a career-high five touchdown passes against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9, beating Terry Bradshaw and Mark Malone for the team's record. All five touchdowns were throw in the first half, making Roethlisberger one of two quarterbacks in the 2007 season (the other being Tom Brady), and only the fifth quarterback since the 1970 merger to achieve such success. He also earned a 158.3 passer rating. In a 31-28 victory over the Browns, Roethlisberger helped the Steelers eliminate a 15-point deficit against the Browns in Week 10. He finished with 278 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. AFC Offensive Player of the Week, he was voted Coach of the Week.

Roethlisberger set a new record for the Steelers in Week 12, beating the Miami Dolphins 3-1, an impressive feat considering the weather. Pittsburgh was struck by a torrential storm, delaying the game 30 minutes due to lightning, while the new sod on the field, which was earlier this week, was transformed into a soggy mess. Players sunk several inches with each step in several areas of the field. The ball remained straight up and remained on the ground upon impact following one of the game's punts. Roethlisberger led the game-winning field goal drive for the only points of the night, with the game scoreless in the fourth quarter.

In Week 15, Roethlisberger threw his 29th touchdown pass of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars, breaking the team's single-season touchdown record set by Bradshaw. Roethlisberger made history by winning two perfect passer ratings (158.3) games in the same regular season in Week 16, defeating the St. Louis Rams in Week 16, completing 16 of 20 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns. It was his third perfect passer rating game in NFL history, tying Peyton Manning for the most regular-season games in history. For the second week in a row, he was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second week in a row.

Roethlisberger was selected to his first Pro Bowl by his comeback season, joining five other Steelers teammates on the AFC team to cap his comeback season. Roethlisberger's 32 touchdown passes ranked third in the NFL, behind Tony Romo and Tom Brady, while Brady's 104.1 passer rating was second only to Brady. Roethlisberger also set a new Steelers single-season record of 32 touchdown passes.

The Steelers were defeated by the Jaguars 31–29 in a rematch of Week 15 football. Roethlisberger finished with 337 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in the loss. In Comeback Player of the Year polling, Roethlisberger came third, behind Patriots Randy Moss and the Dallas Cowboys' Greg Ellis, who received the award. Roethlisberger appeared in his first Pro Bowl in Hawaii.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Roethlisberger also agreed to an eight-year, $102 million deal on March 4, 2008. Roethlisberger had two years on his original that he did not sign after the draft was completed. He has stated that he wants to die as a Steeler.

Roethlisberger finished with 13 of 14 passes for a career-high 92.9 percent (minimum 10 attempts) in Week 1 against the Houston Texans, with 137 yards passing and two touchdown passes. When Roethlisberger was on the sideline with a shoulder injury, Byron Leftwich took over in the fourth quarter. He had his first pass reception of his career against the Cleveland Browns next week: a negative-seven-yard completion to himself after a deflected pass in the second quarter. In a 15–6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, Roethlisberger was fired eight times, fumbled twice, threw one interception, and was asked for a safety in the fourth quarter. He did not finish the game because his throwing hand was strained.

The Steelers trailed 13–3 at halftime in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens. In the third quarter, Roethlisberger threw a touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes, sparking a comeback. In overtime, he passed to Mewelde Moore for 31 yards, setting up Jeff Reed for the winning 46-yard field goal. Roethlisberger threw for 239 yards in the first half, a career high for one half—and steered the game-winning effort by throwing an eight-yard touchdown to Hines Ward to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars by a score of 26-20. For his appearances, he was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week and the FedEx Air Player of the Week.

In a Week 923–6 victory over the Washington Redskins, Roethlisberger had one of his worst performances of his career (15.1), passing yards (50), and completion percentage (29.4%). Roethlisberger completed 17 of 33 passes for 179 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in Week 13 in New England, with consistent rain. Roethlisberger led the Steelers to 30 unanswered points in a 33–10 victory after falling behind, 10–3 in the second quarter.

In Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys, Roethlisberger won his 49th appearance as a starting quarterback, breaking the record for the most games won by a quarterback in their first five NFL seasons. With a win over the Baltimore Ravens and a loss to the Tennessee Titans the following week, the Steelers sealed the AFC North in Week 15, and with a loss to the Tennessee Titans the following week clinched the No. 1 position. In the playoffs, the two seeds will meet. In the AFC Championship Division and the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers defeated the San Diego Chargers and the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round and the Baltimore Ravens, en route to the Super Bowl.

Roethlisberger led the Steelers to one of Super Bowl XLIII against the Arizona Cardinals, one of the most thrilling Super Bowl victories in history. Roethlisberger led to 122 yards on seven of eight passing attempts, one yard shy of his first Super Bowl appearance. The Steelers led 10–0 and then broke halftime, 17–7. Before Arizona's comeback, the lead grew to 20–7. Roethlisberger led the trail for the first time in the game, 23-20, with 2:30 remaining in the game. Roethlisberger led the Steelers 88 yards in eight plays after a holding penalty on the first play, assassinating game MVP Santonio Holmes four times for 73 yards on the drive, with the Steelers leading the Steelers ahead with 0:35 yards on the drive. Roethlisberger finished 21 of 30 for 256 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He had a passer rating of 93.2 percent.

In Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers were dominant in the first half and led, 20–9, but the defense took the lead with 14 seconds left. With two seconds remaining, Roethlisberger got the ball back, but his Hail Mary attempt was unsuccessful. It's his first NFL loss in Ohio, snapping an 11-0 record. In Week 6, he beat the Cleveland Browns by throwing for 417 yards and 2 touchdowns. He had thrown for 398 yards and three touchdowns before losing the game in overtime after taking a knee to the helmet on a scramble attempt in Week 11. He sustained his fourth concussion of his NFL career. Roethlisberger started against the Oakland Raiders in Week 13 after missing overtime at Week 12 in Baltimore. He passed for 278 yards and two touchdown passes. With 1:56 remaining, he threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Hines Ward, but only had the Raiders answer with a winning touchdown with nine seconds remaining. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers could not hold three leads. They were 10–6, 17–13, and 24–20. In the final quarter, it was their third loss of the season in which they relinquished the lead.

In his first game against the Cleveland Browns on a frigid Thursday night, Roethlisberger was fired eight times and did not lead a touchdown drive. It's the first time he's lost four straight starts.

Roethlisberger set many franchise passing records against the Green Bay Packers in Week 15, snapping the Steelers' five-game losing streak in franchise history with the biggest passing day in franchise history. Mike Wallace's first pass of the day was a 60-yard touchdown, and his last pass was a game-winning 19-yard touchdown to Wallace on the final play of the game. He went for 533 yards, three touchdowns, and had no turnovers. He tied Terry Bradshaw's single-season record of 3,724 passing yards and set a new record for single-season completions (22). The defense surrendered the lead and the Steelers trailed by 36–30 after leading a FG drive to a 30–28 victory. Roethlisberger completed the game with 86 yards for the winning touchdown with no time remaining. Roethlisberger was named AFC Player of the Week for his efforts; it was the fifth time he had been named AFC Player of the Week for his fifth appearance in his career.

Roethlisberger's 259-yard performance against the Baltimore Ravens on Week 16 made him the first quarterback in franchise history to pass for over 4,000 yards in a single season. He led the Steelers on a game-winning field goal drive as they improved to 8–7 with the game tied at 20 in the final quarter.

Roethlisberger finished the season with 4,328 yards and 26 touchdown passes. He was 9-1-6 as a starter, and his 100.5 passer rating was his second best rating in his career. In 2009, he was fired 50 times. Despite the three game winning streak that ended the season, the Steelers did not make the playoffs after tie-breakers were ruled out of them. For the first time in his career, Roethlisberger was named as Team MVP by the Steelers. He was chosen as the first alternate to the Pro Bowl, but he declined to rest his right shoulder, which had been injured in the Miami game.

Roethlisberger returned to the Steelers in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns after being suspended for the first four games of the season under NFL player conduct rules. He completed 16 of 27 passes for 258 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in his first game of the season.

Roethlisberger was at the forefront of a controversy during Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins, with the Steelers trailing 22–20 with 2:37 remaining in the game. On the track, the play was called a touchdown, but reports showed Roethlisberger had fumbled short of the end zone. The investigation, on the other hand, failed to have concrete evidence as to who recovered the ball after the fumble. The game-winning field goal was awarded to Pittsburgh by order of law, resulting in the game-winning field goal. In the game, Roethlisberger passed for 302 yards and 2 touchdowns. "Just a strange kind of game." You hate to win it this way, but Roethlisberger said you will win but it will be a good one."

Roethlisberger, the Steelers' 90th regular season game, reached the 20,000-yard passing record in Week 8, but the Steelers lost on Halloween night in the Superdome. On Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals, Roethlisberger dominated by 8–2 for his first 90 games and 63–27 over his first 90 regular season starts (tied with Jim McMahon for third-highest win percentage in a player's first 90 starts). In the Week 10, 39–26 loss to the New England Patriots, Roethlisberger passed for a season-high 387 yards and three touchdowns, but the Steelers also had an interceptions back for a touchdown and was suspended five times.

Roethlisberger passed for 275 yards and three touchdowns in his first victory over the Oakland Raiders in Week 11, and he rushed for a career-high 55 yards and a touchdown. Roethlisberger was punched in the face by Raiders defensive lineman Richard Seymour, who was then suspended, after celebrating a second-quarter touchdown pass. Roethlisberger was unable to start the Week 13 game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a foot injury, but he did get up and had a broken nose on the first series, facing Haloti Ngata. With a trailing 10-6 in the fourth quarter, Roethlisberger threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Isaac Redman, who had 2:51 seconds to go ahead and the Steelers won by 13-10 after finishing with 253 yards passing.

The Steelers clinched the AFC North and the #2 seed in the AFC playoffs in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns. He earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honor in the 41–9 victory. He finished the season with a 9-33 record in 12 starts, as he passed for 3,200 yards, 17 touchdowns, and a career-low five interceptions.

Roethlisberger was sacked and fumbled the ball, and after both teams thought the pass was incomplete, Cory Redding was eventually picked up for a Baltimore touchdown. In the third quarter, the Steelers trailed 21–7 before Roethlisberger completed touchdown passes to Heath Miller and Hines Ward to tie the game at 21. The game was tied 24-24, 24-24, with only over two minutes remaining, and the Steelers faced a 3rd and 19 teams. With 1:33 seconds remaining, Roethlisberger completed a deep pass to rookie wide receiver Antonio Brown for 58 yards and Rashard Mendenhall's rushing touchdown put the Steelers ahead of good, 31–24. It was Roethlisberger's third game-winning drive in a playoff game. On 32 attempts for 226 yards and 2 touchdown passes, he had 19 completions on 32 attempts for 226 yards and two touchdown passes.

Roethlisberger rushed for a touchdown in the first half as the Steelers built a 24–0 lead before the Jets scored 19 unanswered points. Roethlsiberger faced a 3rd and 6 as the game was still on the game. Pittsburgh beat Antonio Brown on a 14-yard run to win the game, sending the Pittsburgh team to their third Super Bowl appearance in the last six seasons. In the 28-21 victory, Roethlisberger completed ten of 19 passes for a season-low 133 yards and two interceptions.

Roethlisberger was knocked in Super Bowl XLV against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter, and Nick Collins intercepted it for a touchdown. In the second quarter, the Steelers trailed the 21–3 before Roethlisberger made it 21-ten at halftime on a touchdown pass to Hines Ward. In the third quarter, the Steelers came close to within 21-17, but they were unable to score on their next three drives. Roethlisberger threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Mike Wallace in the fourth quarter and then pitched the ball to Antwaan Randle El on an option run for the two-point conversion, making it 28–25. Roethlisberger was unable to lead the game-winning drive against Green Bay after his pass to Wallace fell incomplete to Wallace on 4th and 5 at his own 33-yard line, guaranteeing his first Super Bowl loss of his career. Roethlisberger finished with a 25-25 record, 263 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. "I feel like I let the city of Pittsburgh down," Roethlisberger said, "I think it's not a good feeling." He was ranked 41st by his fellow NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.

In his first loss to the Baltimore Ravens since 2006, Roethlisberger set career-bests for turnovers (5) and the highest margin of defeat (28) in Week 1. In Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, he became the fourth quarterback to win in his first 100 starts, throwing for 298 yards and not turning the ball over. In the second quarter, he took a shot to his right knee, but returned after missing two plays to finish the game.

Roethlisberger threw for a career-high 171 yards in the first quarter, turned the ball over three times in the second quarter, leading the Steelers to his 20th fourth quarter appearance in his career, defeating Terry Bradshaw for the first time in Steelers' history. Roethlisberger threw five touchdown passes against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5 for the second time in his career. For the seventh time in his career, he was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week. With a 95-yard touchdown pass to Mike Wallace in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals, Roethlisberger set the franchise record for longest pass in the franchise. In his first regular season victory over the Cardinals, he finished with 361 yards and 3 touchdowns. In Week 8, Roethlisberger defeated the Tom Brady-led Patriots for the first time in seven years, scoring 36 of 50 passes for 365 yards and two touchdowns. For the eighth time in his career, he was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week. Roethlisberger's career-best streak of 18 games with 200+ yards passing came to an end in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs, finishing with 193. Roethlisberger set new records in week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals, first for the first time sacked and then for the most pass completions in team history.

Roethlisberger's leg was strained on a sack and he left the game in the second quarter of Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns. Despite limping due to his high-ankle sprain, he returned to the second half and played the remainder of the game. As the Steelers defeated 14–3, he to Antonio Brown late in the fourth quarter, completing a game-clinching 79-yard touchdown pass. Roethlisberger led to 280 yards passing on just 21 attempts for a career-best 13.33 YPA (min. ). (15 attempts) was unsuccessful. "It was one of the most painful things I've ever felt" after Roethlisberger said of the injury. It looked like my leg was cracked — it looked like my foot was out of my leg." Roethlisberger started the game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 15, but he was spraining because of a high-ankle injury. Roethlisberger was already showing signs of the injury while playing between plays during the game, as shown by his limping during practice. He ended the game without a single touchdown but had 330 yards passing while throwing three interceptions.

Roethlisberger's leg injury in Week 14 forced him to miss the game against the St. Louis Rams in Week 16, giving Roethlisberger more time to recover.

Roethlisberger, who suffered Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh, was back on the field against the Browns in Week 17 in Pittsburgh, just three weeks after the Browns sustained Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh. Due to the possibility that Baltimore will miss its final game, the Steelers decided to start Roethlisberger over Batch, and the Steelers will regain the division championship. Despite his injury, Mike Tomlin and the coaching staff felt Roethlisberger gave them their best chance of success. Big Ben completed 23 of 40 passes for 221 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Baltimore went on to win their last game and claimed the division crown, leaving the Steelers with the top seed to face Denver in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

Roethlisberger and the Steelers' offense battled a tough Denver defense, trailing 20–6 at the half but tied it at 23–23 before the game ended. With 3:47 remaining in regulation, Big Ben made a classic play eluding pass rushers before connecting with Jerricho Cotchery on a 31-yard touchdown. Tim Tebow's incredible season continued with his best single-game appearance to date, culminating in a dramatic finish to Demaryius Thomas to end overtime after one play. In the 29–23 overtime loss to close the 2011 season, Roethlisberger completed 22 of 40 passes for 289 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the 2011 season. He ranked 30th among the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.

In thirteen games, Roethlisberger threw for 3,265 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, topping the Steelers' 8-08 record. In Week 3, he had one of his best individual games of the 2012 season against the Oakland Raiders. In the 34–31 loss, he had 384 passing yards and four touchdowns. He missed three games due to injury, being replaced by Byron Leftwich, who went 0–1, and Charlie Batch, who went 1–1. It was the Steelers' first season in the playoffs since 2009, with their first without a win record since 2006. On the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013. He ranked 61st by his fellow players.

In 16 games in 2013, Roethlisberger threw for 4,261 yards and 28 touchdowns as the Steelers ended the season with an 8–8 record. He was awarded AFC Offensive Player of the Week in Week 11, with 367 passing yards and four touchdowns against the Detroit Lions. Since the San Diego Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 27–24 in overtime in Week 17, the Steelers will miss the playoffs. This will also be the first time they missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since 1999 and the first time under Mike Tomlin. Roethlisberger was ranked 31st by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.

In the first seven games, Roesthilsberger had a 4–3 record. The Steelers defeated the Indianapolis Colts 519-34 on October 26, 2014, Roethlisberger completed 40 of 49 passes for a career-high 522 yards and six touchdowns. Roethlisberger became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to win 100 points in his first 150 starts with his win. He also became the first NFL quarterback to pass for over 500 yards twice in a career. For his play against the Colts, he was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week. For the second week in a row, he won AFC Offensive Player of the Week after having 340 passing yards and six passing touchdowns.

In a 27-20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15, Roethlisberger completed 27 of 35 passes for 360 yards. Roethlisberger became the sixth quarterback in NFL history to beat at least 31 different franchises, including Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Kerry Collins, Brett Favre, and Peyton Manning; unlike Brady, Roethlisberger has only played for one team and therefore hasn't played against the Steelers. In Roethlisberger's first matchup against Atlanta in 2006, the Steelers lost 15–39, and he was suspended for the Steelers' 15–9 overtime victory over the Falcons in 2010.

Roethlisberger set new records in yards in 2014 with a 67.1 completion rate, 408, and 608 attempts. Roethlisberger set a new high in passing touchdowns with 32, as well as a receiving a passer rating of 103, the second highest of his career. With Drew Brees, his 4,952 yards were tied for most on the season, but Roethlisberger had fewer completions, leading him to the championship.

In the AFC North, the Steelers had an 11–5 record and finished first. They then lost in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens by a score of 30-17. For the third time in his career, he was selected to his third Pro Bowl appearance. He was ranked 26th among his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.

Roethlisberger agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Steelers on March 13. During a 28-21 loss to the New England Patriots to start the 2015 NFL season, Roethlisberger went 26 for 351 yards, one touchdown pass, and one interception. However, Roethlisberger and the Steelers defeated the San Francisco 49ers and the St. Louis Rams in their next two games. He had 369 passing yards and three touchdowns against the 49ers in the 43–18 victory over the 49ers, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Roethlisberger sustained a sprained MCL and a bone bruise during his September 27 game against the St. Louis Rams. Roethlisberger did not appear in the Steelers' next four games, although Michael Vick and Landry Jones combined to go 2–2.

On November 8, 2015, Roethlisberger sustained another injury against the Oakland Raiders, suffering a left mid-foot sprain. Despite being listed as active for the game, he did not start against the Cleveland Browns the following week. Landry Jones sprained his left ankle early in the first quarter, resulting in Roethlisberger's return to action in relief for the second time in his career. On the way to a Steelers victory and an AFC Offensive Player of the Week honor since Don Strock threw for 479 yards against the San Diego Chargers in the epic in Miami playoff game in 1982, Roethlisberger threw for 379 yards and three touchdowns; his 379 passing yards were the most by a quarterback in relief since Don Strock threw for 479 yards against the San Diego Chargers. Roethlisberger threw for 456 yards against the Seattle Seahawks on November 29, but the Seahawks lost by 39-30.

With a 10–6 record, the Steelers clinched second place in the AFC North, behind the Cincinnati Bengals. In the Wild Card Round, the Bengals defeated the Bengals by a score of 18–16, but the Denver Broncos, the eventual Super Bowl champions, lost by a score of 23–16. Roethlisberger was named to his fourth Pro Bowl appearance and was ranked 21st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

Roethlisberger had a 2–1 record in the first three games to start the 2016 season. In Weeks 4–5, he had back-to-back 300-yard passing performances against the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets, totaling nine touchdowns in that span. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts against the Chiefs. However, Roethlisberger left the game against the Miami Dolphins the following week after suffering a knee injury. He underwent surgery on October 17 for a torn meniscus and missed the following week against the New England Patriots. The Steelers made the playoffs by winning the AFC North with an 11–5 record. In the Wild Card Round, they defeated the Miami Dolphins by 30-12, and the Chiefs defeated the Chiefs 18-16 in the Divisional Round. In the AFC Championship, the Steelers lost 36–17 to the Patriots. He went for 314 passing yards, one touchdown, and one intercept.

On December 20, 2016, Roethlisberger was named to his third straight and fifth Pro Bowl appearance, only one spot behind his 2017 ranking, which was ranked 22nd overall on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.

Roethlisberger was a contributor to the Steelers' 3-1 record to start the 2017 season. Roethlisberger had a career-high five interceptions against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5 as the Steelers lost by a score of 30–9. In Week 11 against the Tennessee Titans, he passed for 299 yards and four touchdowns. Roethlisberger earned his fourth appearance on a three-yard pass to tight end Jesse James during the game. In a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 4, Roethlisberger became the eighth quarterback to reach 50,000 yards in his career. In Week 14 against the Baltimore Ravens, he finished 44 of 66 passes (both single-game highs) for 506 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the first player in NFL history with three consecutive 500-yard passing games. The Steelers clinched a playoff spot and the AFC North championship with their victory. His 44 completions tied for the most completions in a non-overtime game, and they were the second most in NFL history behind Drew Bledsoe's 45 in 1994. He was voted Week 14 of the Week for his efforts in Week 14.

Roethlisberger finished with 281 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception against the New England Patriots on Week 15. Two tense scenes occurred in the fourth quarter's closing seconds; Roethlisberger threw a potential game-winning touchdown to tight end Jesse James, but it was overturned after James obviously lost control when the ball touched the ground. Roethlisberger faked a spike to pass, which ended in the Steelers losing 24–27.

Roethlisberger, his star receiver Antonio Brown, and three of his starting offensive lineman among others were among others named to his fourth straight and sixth Pro Bowl career.

The Steelers finished the 2017 season with a 13–3 record, clinching the AFC North division. The Steelers met the Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Round. Despite the fact that the Jaguars had the best passing defense in 2017, Roethlisberger led to a playoff career-high 469 passing yards, five touchdowns, and an intercept, but the Steelers lost 42-45. He was ranked 18th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.

In a 21–21 tie against the Cleveland Browns, Roethlisberger began the 2018 season with 335 passing yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Roethlisberger passed for 452 yards, three touchdowns, and had a running touchdown in Week 2, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 42-37. He was the third player since 1950 with at least 450 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown in the same game. He passed John Elway for the seventh most passing yards in NFL history. In Week 33, Roethlisberger passed for 353 yards and three touchdowns, earning him the AFC Offensive Player of the Week Award. Roethlisberger had more touchdowns than incompletions in Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers, who were unstopable for 328 yards and five touchdowns. For the second time in 2018, his performance in Week 10 earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week. He passed for a season-high 462 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in a Week 12 loss to the Denver Broncos. In Week 16, the New Orleans Saints' 31-28 loss, he passed for 380 yards and three touchdowns, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy. Despite a win in Week 17, the Steelers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2013, finishing second in the AFC North with a 9–6-1 record.

For the second time in his career, Roethlisberger led the league in passing yards (5,129). He led the league in completions (452), attempts (675) and interceptions (16). His 5,129 passing yards and 34 touchdown passes set franchise records, both of which were set by Roethlisberger in his 2014 season.

Roethlisberger agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Steelers worth $68 million with a $37.5 million signing bonus, keeping him under control through the 2021 season. Roethlisberger suffered his right elbow against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 and was unable to participate in the second half of the game. As the Steelers lost 28–26, Mason Rudolph was recalled. Roethlisberger would be recalled on the season's ending injured reserve list after recovering elbow surgery.

In the 26-16 victory, Roethlisberger returned from injury in Week 1 against the New York Giants, where he threw for 229 yards and three touchdowns. During the 28–21 victory over the Houston Texans, Roethlisberger threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Roethlisberger set a new record for the most games played with the Steelers, with 221 games. During the 38–29 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, Roethlisberger threw for 239 yards and three touchdowns, all to Chase Claypool. He was instrumental in the Steelers' first 4–0 start since 1979, and he was instrumental in the team's first 4–0 start since 1979. During Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys, Roethlisberger threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns. The Steelers' 8-0 win over the Cowboys opened the season off to a rocky start, the best in franchise history.

Roethlisberger was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 after being deemed high risk due to Vance McDonald's coexistence. COVID-19 was activated four days later. In Week 10, he had 333 passing yards and four passing touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals, defeating them 36–10. For his play, Roethlisberger was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week. During the 23-17 loss, Roethlisberger threw for 305 yards, two touchdowns, and an interceptor. This was the Steelers' first loss of the season.

As the Steelers finished 12-4 with an AFC North championship, Roethilsberger finished the 2020 season with 3,803 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and ten interceptions. In the Wild Card Round against the Cleveland Browns, Roethlisberger completed 47 passes off 68 attempts for 501 yards and four touchdowns, but threw four interceptions in a 48–37 loss. Roethlisberger's 47 pass games set a new NFL record for the most completions in a game (passing Drew Bledsoe and Jared Goff's record of 45 yards), as well as throwing for the second most passing yards in a playoff game ever.

On March 4, 2021, Roethlisberger's renegotiated deal with the Steelers resulted in him receiving a $5 million salary cut. After testing positive for the virus, Roethlisberger was placed on Reserve/COVID-19 for the Steelers a day before the Week 10 game against the Detroit Lions. Roethlisberger threw for 3,740 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and ten interceptions, as well as a new rushing touchdown as the Steelers finished the season with a 9-0-1 record. Roethlisberger threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns in the 42-21 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Round.

Roethlisberger resigned from football on January 27, 2022.

Some wondered if Roethlisberger would return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March of this year after losing to him in March of that year. When Roethlisberger said on WDVE Radio in Pittsburgh, he was able to put an end to those questions. "I don't want me back, my instructor and GM." I'm pretty happy with where I'm at.

NFL career statistics

In the fourth quarter/overtime, Roethlisberger led to five comeback victories in the fourth quarter and six game-winning drives (including one playoff game). Through the first seven seasons of a player's career, Roethlisberger has the most comeback victories (199) and game-winning drives (25). He is the only quarterback in NFL history to win 20 comeback games before the age of 30. Roethlisberger was tied for the second most game-winning drives of all time (53), and he was in sole possession of the second most game-winning drives, including the playoffs.

Roethlisberger has had numerous individual accomplishments in his 18 years as a Steelers legend.

He passed Terry Bradshaw for the most passing yards for a Steelers quarterback on October 11, 2012.

He passed Terry Bradshaw for the most passing touchdowns for a Steelers quarterback on December 8, 2013.

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