Thursday marked the end of a successful era in Pittsburgh, where Ben Roethlisberger has spent the last 18 seasons under center for the Steelers. "Big Ben" won a pair of Super Bowls with the franchise and retires as one of the NFL's career leaders in several major passing categories.
"The journey has been exhilarating, fueled by a spirit of competition. Yet the time has come to clean out my locker, hang up my cleats and continue to be all I can be to my wife and children," Roethlisberger said in a video released Thursday. "I retire from football a truly grateful man."
Going back to Roethlisberger's high school days at
Findlay (Ohio), we explore where he stacks up among the greatest quarterbacks ever from the Buckeye State to make the NFL.
Ben Roethlisberger didn't start at quarterback in high school until his senior year.
"Captain America" won the Heisman Trophy at Navy, was named MVP of Super Bowl VI and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The two-time Super Bowl champ was a six-time Pro Bowler, named to the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team and is a member of the Cowboys Ring of Honor.
2. Ben Roethlisberger, Findlay, Miami (Ohio)First round NFL Draft pick, Roethlisberger is a two-time Super Bowl champion, six-time Pro Bowler and never suffered a losing season in his 18 years with the Steelers. Ranks eighth all-time in NFL career touchdown passes (418) and is fifth in passing yards (64,088), completions (5,440) and attempts (8,443).
3. Len Dawson, Alliance, PurdueA member of the AFL's All-Time Team, Dawson led the Chiefs to three AFL titles before winning Super Bowl IV (named MVP). He's also a member of the Kansas City Chiefs and Pro Football hall of fames.
4. Benny Friedman, Glenville (Cleveland), MichiganAfter being named the Big Ten Player of the Year, Friedman earned All-Pro honors in six of his eight NFL seasons (from 1927-1934). Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
5. Bernie Kosar, Boardman (Youngstown), Miami (Fla.)After leading the Hurricanes to a national championship, Kosar became a two-time Pro Bowler with the Browns and led Cleveland to three AFC title games. He won a Super Bowl as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.
6. Joe Burrow, Athens (The Plains), Ohio State/LSUAn Ohio Mr. Football winner and graduate of Ohio State, Burrow played his final two collegiate seasons at LSU where he led the Tigers to a national championship and won the Heisman Trophy. The first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Burrow has led the Bengals to their third AFC championship game and first since 1989 in just his second season.
7. Cliff Stoudt, Oberlin, Youngstown StateTwo-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers as Terry Bradshaw's back-up. Also played for the Cowboys, Dolphins and Cardinals.
8. Elvis Grbac, Villa Angela-St. Joseph (Cleveland), MichiganThrew for 99 touchdowns during an NFL career that included stints with the Ravens, Chiefs and 49ers (won Super Bowl).
9. Brian Hoyer, St. Ignatius (Cleveland), Michigan StateJust finished 13th year in the NFL as a back-up for Mac Jones in New England. Has thrown for 53 career touchdowns and made 75 starts.
10. Mitchell Trubisky, Mentor, North CarolinaOhio Mr. Football winner was selected No. 2 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Bears. Selected to the Pro Bowl in 2018. Currently a member of the Buffalo Bills.
