Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s official retirement from the NFL brought tributes from current and former teammates, as well as from around the sports world.
Bill Cowher was head coach for the first three years of Roethlisberger’s career, from 2004 to 2006. The duo won a Super Bowl together on Feb. 5, 2006, in Roethlisberger’s second year with the team.
Cowher noted Roethlisberger’s penchant for fourth-quarter heroics, among other attributes.
Congratulations on an amazing career @_BigBen7 and good luck in your next chapter. pic.twitter.com/loPuPCkN7U
— Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS) January 27, 2022
From @CowherCBS to @_BigBen7 #ThankYou7 pic.twitter.com/V5cAEg4rcy
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 27, 2022
Maurkice Pouncey spent 10 seasons as the Steelers’ center and retired after the 2020 season. The bond shared between the two led some to believe that Roethlisberger might retire at the same time as Pouncey.
Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt kept his tribute simple.
Legend. https://t.co/fVlzGKoozA
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) January 27, 2022
Cornerback Joe Haden shared his appreciation, too.
Love and Appreciate you @_BigBen7! Was a pleasure having You as a teammate these past 5 years! Now Go Enjoy that beautiful family! You deserve it! HOF!!! https://t.co/OAgQNvcWhP
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) January 27, 2022
A multitude of former Steelers teammates, including Brett Keisel, Alan Faneca and Tommy Maddox, talked about Roethlisberger in a social media video prepared by the Steelers.
A message from some of @_BigBen7's teammates:#ThankYou7 pic.twitter.com/dagd6icsqt
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 27, 2022
Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster also thanked the 18-year quarterback.
Thanks for everything, 7. ???????? pic.twitter.com/xSdWqCnE2Q
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) January 27, 2022
Other teammates such as offensive lineman John Leglue, cornerback Tre Norwood and defensive end Chris Wormley offered praise.
Best tandem in the NFL, Congrats Legend ???? #7 #SteelerNation #BigBen #PitnotthePalace pic.twitter.com/uwf91N6FSN
— AB (@AB84) January 27, 2022
Four-time Super Bowl champion Rocky Bleier said there would never be another player like Roethlisberger.
Ben- There are not enough words in a tweet to do you justice. You gave of yourself over and over again for the love of the game, the love of Pittsburgh,and the love of this Steelers team. There will never be another like you and I am looking forward to your future. -Rock
— Rocky Bleier (@RockyBleier) January 27, 2022
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, who went 9-3 head-to-head against Roethlisberger, offered his congratulations even though their styles differed drastically.
Ben defied the TB12 Method in favor of the “Throw Some Ice On It” method his whole career, and ended up an all-time-great with 6 Pro-Bowls and 2 Super Bowls. There’s more than one way to bake a cake! https://t.co/ue36KXTHnk
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 27, 2022
Even the Baltimore Ravens congratulated Roethlisberger, who went 18-11 in his career against the AFC North rival.
Respect to an all-time rival ???? https://t.co/AneEhbVb3d
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 27, 2022
The Pro Football Hall of Fame noted that Roethlisberger would be eligible for induction in 2027.
With the news of @_BigBen7's retirement today, he would first be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2027.@steelers | #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/vs75lltGUN
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) January 27, 2022
And it sounds like former teammate Charlie Batch will be there to watch his fellow quarterback in Canton, Ohio.
Looks like I know what ill be doing Aug 7th, 2027. Just put myself into @_BigBen7 calendar ????????. Such an HONOR! CONGRATULATIONS on one heck of a career! ???????????? #RoadtoCanton pic.twitter.com/Rd1DOx9PpX
— Charlie Batch (@CharlieBatch16) January 27, 2022
The Pittsburgh Penguins also wished Roethlisberger well on his retirement.
Good luck in your retirement, @_BigBen7! #BurghProud pic.twitter.com/AvZqqPZaAJ
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) January 27, 2022
And just in case you forgot, here’s Roethlisberger’s final touchdown pass of his career, in a playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The FINAL touchdown pass of Ben Roethlisberger's career. #HereWeGo
— Super Bowl LVI on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 27, 2022
Via: @NFL pic.twitter.com/skh5zEQJdW
