Cam Heyward Wants Ben Roethlisberger’s Career to Finish by ‘Riding This Thing Out to the Super Bowl’

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Here’s the (drinking) game within the game for Sunday night’s Super Wild Card Weekend game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs: Take a sip every time one of the NBC announcers refers to it potentially being the final game of Ben Roethlisberger’s career.

And then, please, stop early in the second quarter. Monday is a workday, and the boss doesn’t need you showing up feeling the effects of getting more hammered than a bad woodshop teacher’s left thumb.

Ben Roethlisberger has done it all with the Pittsburgh Steelers

Two Super Bowl rings in his first five NFL seasons cemented Ben Roethlisberger’s legacy as a winner. Each season since has been a matter of adding to his Pro Football Hall of Fame resume.

The numbers are worthy of that spot in Canton:

165 regular-season victories to go along with a 13-9 record in the playoffs entering the Sunday night game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

418 touchdown passes and 64,088 yards through the air, and a 93.5 career passer rating.

Eight division titles and 11 trips to the playoffs.

Now, though, it’s about the future rather than the past. By all accounts, Roethlisberger is heading for retirement at the conclusion of this postseason. Six weeks away from his 40th birthday and with 247 regular-season starts in the books, the consensus is the time is right for the six-time Pro Bowl quarterback to move on to the next chapter of his life.

Cam Heyward wants Ben Roethlisberger ‘riding this thing out to the Super Bowl’

Pittsburgh Steelers stars Ben Roethlisberger and Cam Heyward. | Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers have business to take care of on the opening weekend of the NFL playoffs, but there’s an elephant in the room. Fifth-year Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is among the elites in the league, but Ben Roethlisberger is the signal-caller attracting the attention. Fans and media are focusing on what is presumed to be his impending departure.

Even the Steelers’ locker room has found itself caught up in the moment.

“We all understand the magnitude of the single-game elimination,” 11th-year defensive tackle Cam Heyward said, according to Steelers Depot. “Not only will it end our season, but it could be the end of one of the greatest Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks of our generation.

“We’ve been lucky enough to call him a teammate, and I don’t think we’re ready to let that party end. What better way to have a retirement party than riding this thing out to the Super Bowl?”

Born in Pittsburgh, the son of the beloved Craig “Ironhead” Heyward understands the city’s love for Roethlisberger.

“Pittsburgh loves Ben Roethlisberger because for the past 18 years this guy has given two Super Bowls, and given his body a beating trying to make sure he played for Pittsburgh,” Heyward, a first-team All-Pro pick in three of the past five seasons, told the New York Post. “Not many people could sustain a career like he has, taking all the bumps and bruises and delivering those clutch two-minute drives at the end of a game.”.

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a monumental task in Kansas City

Joe Haden one of many Steelers players wearing a Ben Roethlisberger t-shirt for pregame warm ups #HereWeGo @KDKA pic.twitter.com/eoXQATDvPe — Rich Walsh KDKA (@RichieWalsh) January 16, 2022

The Pittsburgh Steelers struggled out of the gate with three losses in their first four games and then endured another 1-3 stretch wrapped around Thanksgiving. Three victories in their final four games and some fortuitous results in games involving other contenders cemented the hard-fought trip to the playoffs.

However, the road to the Super Bowl, the idea culmination to Ben Roethlisberger’s career, contains potholes. Even assuming Pittsburgh beats the Chiefs in Kansas City, where Patrick Mahomes is 5-1 in the playoffs, the Steelers’ journey would continue at Tennessee, where the Titans are expected to welcome back injured running back Derrick Henry.

The Steelers are winless in three playoff appearances since 2016. Winning for themselves will be difficult enough. Winning for Big Ben just adds that much more pressure for the Steelers’ task this month.

All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference.

RELATED: Patrick Mahomes Delivers Powerful Statement on Ben Roethlisberger Ahead of Chiefs-Steelers Playoff Showdown: ‘He’s an All-Time Great Quarterback’

Don’t expect Steelers to try to sign or draft Ben Roethlisberger’s replacement

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Ben Roethlisberger has acknowledged is his final year as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback, and the search for a new man behind center will begin as soon as the season ends.

But it doesn’t seem as if the Steelers will cast a wide net.

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Rather than turn to the draft or a big-name veteran, Pittsburgh is more likely to allow backups Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins compete for the starting job, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Longtime Steelers GM Kevin Colbert is expected to retire this offseason, but not before the April draft. He apparently wants to set up the team well for the next man in charge.

Still, Rudolph supposedly has impressed coach Mike Tomlin and may have the inside track on the job. Haskins will also get an opportunity to make something of his career, it appears.

“Beyond those two, acquiring a player like Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, or any other veteran QB who might be available on the trade market should not be expected,” wrote Rory Parks of Pro Football Rumors. “In his 22 years atop the Steelers’ personnel department, Colbert has only traded a first-round pick for a player one time, when he acquired Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Dolphins in September 2019.”

There’s also been some talk of the Steelers taking Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett in the draft. He’s a local guy with a Big Ben-like style. But the Steelers will be drafting no earlier than No. 19 overall — and Pickett is expected to be long gone by then.

Yes, the Steelers are interested in Pickett, Rapoport wrote. But Colbert doesn’t exactly have a history of trading up, and it seems unlikely he will eye such a move before departing. Since 2000, Colbert has traded up just three times, Rapoport noted.

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It’s the end of an era in Pittsburgh, one that had its fair share of fantastic success. And it appears, for now, that it will be up to Rudolph or Haskins to keep it going.

Photo of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger’s Wife Goes Viral Before Playoffs

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Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is preparing for what’s likely his very last game in a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey, and he made a point to thank his wife, Ashley Harlan Roethlisberger, for her unwavering support throughout his NFL career.

While the Steelers finished the regular season with a 9-7-1 record, their playoff hopes were dead until the Las Vegas Raiders‘ dramatic overtime win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Roethlisberger was clearly not expecting the Steelers to make it to the postseason, nor does he expect his team to beat the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.

“We probably aren’t supposed to be here, Roethlisberger said on January 13. “We probably are not a very good football team. Out of 14 teams that are in, we’re probably at number 14. We’re double-digit underdogs in the playoffs. So let’s just go plan and have fun and see what happens.”

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger on NFL Wild Card game against the Kansas City Chiefs: “We don’t have a chance, so let’s just go in and play and have fun.” pic.twitter.com/FjLR8elIbs — The Recount (@therecount) January 12, 2022

While Roethlisberger’s comments on the Steelers’ unexpected playoff journey were deflating, the former first-round pick from the 2004 NFL draft was way more thoughtful and sentimental following what was likely his final home game at Heinz Field.

To commemorate the occasion, the 39-year-old posted a moving snapshot of his wife and children exiting through the tunnel for the last time, and the family photo quickly went viral on Twitter.

After dating on and off for five years, Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2011, he married Harlan on July 23, 2011, and together they have three children: Benjamin Jr., Baylee Marie and Bodie.

Roethlisberger Celebrated His 10-Year Anniversary Just Before the Start of the 2021 NFL Season

Big Ben hugs his kids after an emotional win.pic.twitter.com/oZUXp33fSz (via @espn) — NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2022

On July 23, 2021, Roethlisberger tweeted out a heartfelt tribute to his wife of 10 years.

He wrote, “10 years ago I married the most amazing woman in the world. I am so thankful for her love, support, and her friendship. She has the biggest heart and anyone that knows her knows this. I love you Ashley, even more today then I did that day 10 years ago. — Ben.”

10 years ago I married the most amazing woman in the world. I am so thankful for her love, support, and her friendship. She has the biggest heart and anyone that knows her knows this. I love you Ashley, even more today then I did that day 10 years ago. — Ben.

❤ pic.twitter.com/1YXbKaVYYq — BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) July 23, 2021

Roethlisberger first met the woman who would become his wife in 2005 through Ashley’s brother, who’s a die-hard Steelers fan.

The Steelers quarterback was at training camp at Saint Vincent College when a fan, one of her two brothers, either Brandon or Brent, went up to Roethlisberger and introduced himself, as reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2011.

The two guys started talking which led the fan to introduce Roethlisberger to his sister, Ashley. Roethlisberger thought she was cute and asked her out on a date.

Flash forward five years and through two accusations of rape (he was never convicted), the couple tied the knot in Pittsburgh in front of more than 500 guests. Instead of gifts, the couple asked invitees to donate money to Ronald McDonald House and Children’s Hospital.

Roethlisberger’s Wife Does Not Have an Instagram or Twitter Account

Benjamin Jr. celebrated his 8th birthday with an outdoor family party last night, and he wanted to share his favorite photos with us: https://t.co/ZbmfpbeSjY #HappyBirthdayBenjamin 🥳🎂🎁🎉🎊 pic.twitter.com/dtY7pr6ZsU — BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) November 21, 2020

Ashley Roethlisberger does her best to stay out of the media spotlight. While she regularly attends Steelers games with her children in tow, she does not have an Instagram or Twitter account.

Somebody celebrated a birthday last night! Can’t believe it’s been 5 years already!! Watching you grow up has been both sad (especially for momma) and amazing. You have really grown up a lot and we are so proud of you. We love you, Bo. #HappyBirthday #TurtlePower pic.twitter.com/gzVagKK8gK — BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) May 27, 2021

All the photos shared of Roetherlisberger’s wife and kids are posted by Big Ben, who prides his marriage and the couple’s children as his greatest off-the-field achievements.

READ NEXT: Insider Updates Chances of Steelers Acquiring Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson

Ben Roethlisberger Ends Steelers Career With One Final Dubious Franchise Record

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When you’re good enough, and you play long enough, there’s a good chance that you’re going to end your career with just about every conceivable record in the history of your franchise tied to your position and individual performance.

All of those sorts of things were taken as a given for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is winding down his career now after 18 seasons, with tomorrow being quite possibly the final game he ever plays, even with a Hall of Fame quarterback. He has more than twice as many pass attempts, completions, and yards as Terry Bradshaw, and only a handful shy of double the touchdown passes, as well.

Thanks to some sloppy play down the stretch, Roethlisberger ensured himself of ending his Steelers career with one more record: The most interceptions in franchise history. Bradshaw ended his career with 210, throwing an interception on 5.4 percent of his pass attempts.

While Roethlisberger’s interception rate is not even half as high, he did throw interception number 211 in the regular-season finale on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. That final regular-season interception of Roethlisberger’s career was caught by safety Geno Stone—the first of his career.

In all, the future Hall of Famer threw 10 interceptions this season, posting an interception rate of 1.7 percent—not great, but not even close to bad. He also threw 10 interceptions last season with only three more pass attempts, so roughly the same rate.

But he did throw 33 touchdowns that year, one off of his own franchise record, in comparison to the 22 that he threw in 2021. That was the fewest touchdowns he’s thrown in a season in which he played more than 12 games since 2011, a year in which he threw 14 interceptions, and in which he, bafflingly, made the Pro Bowl.

Roethlisberger will retire having completed 5,440 of 8,443 pass attempts (fifth all-time for both) with a career completion percentage of 64.4 (17th), throwing for 64,088 yards (fifth) with 418 touchdowns (eighth) and 211 interceptions (22nd), 7.6 yards per pass attempt (22nd), and a quarterback rating of 93.5 (16th).

None of those do us any good for tomorrow’s game, of course. He won’t even be eligible for the Hall of Fame for another five years. For the time being, there’s a game to try to win, a game in which he and the Steelers are significant underdogs. And the best thing he can do is avoid adding to his interception total. He is tied with Jim Kelly for the third-most postseason interceptions of all time.

Patrick Mahomes vs Ben Roethlisberger: wild card appearances, stats and records

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As the Steelers prepare to face the Chiefs in a NFL Wild Card showdown, all eyes are on the two quarterbacks

Patrick Mahomes vs Ben Roethlisberger

If we’re honest, Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers face a monumental task on Sunday night when they face the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card of the 2021-22 NFL Playoffs. Indeed, Roethlisberger himself was not so confident in his comments about the game. On the other hand Chiefs’ QB Patrick Mahomes only had words of praise for Pittsburgh’s veteran star. Are there psychological games afoot between the two? Probably. With one trying to assume the role of the underdog and the other maintaining a manner of respect for the opponent, it’s clear just how much is riding on this game - aside from the obvious - for both sides. That being said, let’s take a look at how the two players match up.

Big Ben and the Baby GOAT by the numbers

As Roethlisberger approaches what appear to be his final days as a Pittsburgh Steelers player, it’s worth noting that his level of play has stayed constant throughout. The Steelers as a team on the other hand do have reason to be concerned. With a record of 9-7-1 they could be considered lucky to have a Wild Card opportunity against the Kansas City Chiefs who are 12-5. With that in mind, here’s a look at how both quarterbacks stack up as they prepare to face each other in what will undoubtedly be a defining moment for both.

Clearly Roethlisberger has been around for quite some time compared to the much younger Mahomes. To date the Steelers’ QB has played in 249 games compared to Mahomes 63. In that time, however, the winning percentages have definitely been telling. Big Ben has won 165 games, while Mahomes has 50 which equates to a winning percentage of 67% vs 79% respectively. Mahomes’ rise through the ranks has been quite frankly, meteoric. When it comes to pass completion, the Chiefs’ QB has completed 1,550 passes in his time in Kansas City, which gives him a pass completion percentage of 66.1%. When we compare that with Roethlisberger has 64.4% with 5,440 passes, Mahomes talent starts to become evident. Overall Roethlisberger has a QB rating of 93.5 which when stacked up against Mahomes’ 105.8 - in less time - becomes quite indicative of the gulf between them. On the other hand, as every NFL fan knows it’s always comes down to the idea of ‘any given Sunday.’

What NFL records does Patrick Mahomes hold?

When it comes to records, there is a fair share between the two players. Where Mahomes is concerned, there aren’t many play makers either past or present who can share company with him. To date, Mahomes jointly holds the record for the most consecutive 300+ passing yard games with 8. In addition he also registered 10,000 yards faster than any QB before. Then there is also the matter of the most touchdown passes thrown in a game, which he did in 2018 with six TDs. In that same year he also arrived at 50 touchdowns which was the most registered by a QB in a single season.

What about Ben Roethlisberger’s records?

As a veteran one might argue that the Steeler’s QB has more time to work on his craft, that being said, class is class. To be clear, Big Ben holds the record for most regular season wins in a single season with 13 in 2004. That of course goes hand with the fact that he also has the most wins as a starter with 51 from 2004 to 2008. Roethlisberger also boasts the most games with a completion percentage higher than 80% from back in 2007 when he ran the gambit for 4 games. Then we can’t forget the fact that he has the most career games with 500+ yards passing.