Bill Cowher reacts to news of Ben Roethlisberger retirement
Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach-turned-broadcaster Bill Cowher, like the rest of the NFL world, is just now starting to come to terms with the fact that Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is finally hanging up the cleats.
Before Roethlisberger began bringing the Steelers to the top of the NFL world alongside head coach Mike Tomlin, it was Cowher who served as his head coach for the beginning of his NFL career — and now, it’s Cowher who thanked Roethlisberger for everything he’s contributed over the course of his 18-year NFL career.
“It was an honor to coach Ben,” Cowher said in a Twitter statement. “He truly represents what a Pittsburgh Steeler is. He gae his heart and soul to the Steelers organization and the Pittsburgh community. He played with grit, determination and resiliency and his passion for the game was evident throughout his career. He is a winner. From his rokie season, you knew that you always had a chance to win with Ben as your quarterback. He was at his best in the fourth quarter when the game was on the line. He was the guy you could always count on to deliver when it mattered most.
“I am so proud of everything Ben has accomplished and congratulate him on a remarkable career.”
Roethlisberger officially announces retirement after 18-year career via Twitter
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and team legend Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement from the NFL in a heartfelt video Thursday after 18 years. The video came after months of speculation that the 2021 season would in fact be his last, prompting fond farewells from Steelers fans and rivals alike in the final weeks of the season.
Ben Roethlisberger played his full career with the Pittsburgh Steelers after they used the No. 11 pick in the 2004 NFL Draft on a quarterback from Miami (Ohio). The decision quickly paid off as the franchise cornerstone made the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team in 2004 after winning the MAC Most Valuable Player of the Year award in his final collegiate season.
Over the course of his career, Roethlisberger threw for 64,088 yards, 418 touchdowns and 211 interceptions. He also added 1,373 rushing yards – mostly in his younger years – and 20 more touchdowns.
Known for his tough demeanor and ability to fight off hits from the NFL’s biggest and strongest defenders, he exemplified the Pittsburgh Steelers mentality established decades before his arrival. That combination of grit and a natural gift for leadership helped guide Roethlisberger and the Steelers to two Super Bowl trophies in 2005 and 2008.
In addition, Roethlisberger became a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL passing yards leader. He holds NFL records for most career 500-yard passing games with four and most completions in a regular or postseason game with 47.
He ranks No. 7 all-time in career passing yards, 12th all-time in passer rating (94.3), tied for No. 9 in yards per attempt (7.8 yards), and tied for 12th in completion percentage (64.4%). In his final NFL game, which came in the wild card round of the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs, Roethlisberger moved to No. 3 all-time in playoff passing yards and surpassed Brett Favre.