After almost two decades of serving under center for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger said goodbye to Steelers fans.
“I don’t know how to put into words what the game of football has meant to me and what a blessing it has been,” the two-time Super Bowl Champion said in a video posted to Twitter.
“While I know with confidence I have given my all to the game, I am overwhelmed with all it has given me,” he said.
Set to images of his career, Roethlisberger, 39, looked back on his time playing football and his 18 years as a Steeler.
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“The journey has been exhilarating, defined by relationships and fueled by a spirit of competition,” he continued. “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.”
A message from Ben:@steelers #NFL #SteelersNation #ThankYou#HereWeGo #LoveAndHonor pic.twitter.com/pUbKGO1nUs
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) January 27, 2022
Sitting with his family, Roethlisberger announced his retirement from the game, and he thanked the people who helped him along the way.
“I need to thank the Lord for all the many blessings he has bestowed on me,” he said. “To my wife, Ashley, our children Benjamin, Baylee, and Bodie, you lift and inspire me and give my life purpose. I am so thankful for your love and support. I love you so much.”
Roethlisberger thanked his family and team, expressing gratitude to all who helped him at “every level.”
“To all of my teammates and the endless friendships that I have gained, I appreciate you and our shared commitment to wearing the black and gold with pride and dignity,” he said.
“Putting that jersey on every Sunday with my brothers will always be one of the greatest joys of my life. To Steeler Nation, the best fans in all of sport, thank you for accepting and supporting me as your quarterback over the years,” he concluded. “Football has been a gift, and I thank God for allowing me to play it.”
The video faded out with Roethlisberger removing the nameplate above his locker and walking out of the locker room.
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He leaves football with six Pro Bowl selections, the most career 500-yard passing games, and 418 touchdown passes.
