The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Ben Roethlisberger with their first-round pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, taking him 11th overall. Despite having limited quarterback experience in high school and leaving Miami of Ohio after his junior year, Roethlisberger proved to be a successful choice. He led the Steelers to two Super Bowl titles and broke multiple records during his career.
On draft day, Roethlisberger expressed his willingness to adapt to the team’s needs. “I am more than willing to do whatever it is that Coach asks of me that is best for the team,” he said. He also showed readiness to learn from then-veteran quarterback Tommy Maddox.
Concerns about Roethlisberger’s relative inexperience were addressed by Coach Bill Cowher, who noted the quarterback’s athletic attributes. Cowher stated, “This kid has a lot of upside. Again, the thing he lacks is experience. I think he’s only going to get better the more he plays.”
Roethlisberger’s career with the Steelers includes starting in 231 games and achieving a career passer rating of 94.0. He holds numerous Steelers all-time records, including 396 passing touchdowns and 60,349 yards.
Looking back at his achievements, the decision by the Steelers to draft Roethlisberger appears well-founded. As Bill Cowher said, “The more you watch the guy, his arm strength, his mobility, his accuracy on the run, on the move. I think you look at our situation, it was an ideal situation for him to come into.”
Roethlisberger’s legacy with the Steelers is marked by his numerous records both in single seasons and single games, such as his six-touchdown performance and his 522-yard game against Indianapolis in 2014.
