Monday marked what is believed to be Ben Roethlisberger’s final home game as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it was an overwhelming moment for the two-time Super Bowl champion.
Big Ben went out the way he wanted in victorious fashion against the Cleveland Browns, winning 26-14 at home in a game packed with several emotional moments, including embraces with the fans in Heinz Field and with his family after the game.
Big Ben takes a final lap around Heinz Field.
What a moment for Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/AzU1AtwkFI
— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2022
"THANK YOU BEN." – @Steelers Nation pic.twitter.com/gOhYCX0cVK
— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2022
Najee Harris and I finished talking and our camera swung over to Ben Roethlisberger's final walk off Heinz Field and to his family. Ben talked later about his kids understanding the moment. As a mom whose kids are just starting to get what I do…this is the moment that got me 💛 pic.twitter.com/hR5j1Pq9Pb
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) January 4, 2022
Many former teammates of Big Ben went to social media as well to congratulate him on what is likely his last home game in Pittsburgh and one of the final games of his 18-year NFL career.
Jerome Bettis has been with Ben Roethlisberger the whole step of the way just like Ben was there for him. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/ttNRsCrT9F
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) January 4, 2022
That's my quarterback. 💯 It was a privilege to be your teammate and a great honor to call you my brother. #BigBen #family pic.twitter.com/Qenw2XQxuw
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) January 3, 2022
While his legacy is more complicated than some would care to admit, one thing is for certain and that is Roethlisberger is beloved by the Steelers faithful.
Monday’s victory also follows the trend of Ben’s Pittsburgh Steelers having constant success over the Cleveland Browns. Roethlisberger has a 26-3-1 record in his career against the Browns. Roethlisberger also made it 18 years in the NFL without a losing season, which is truly a remarkable feat considering the longevity of his career.
Big Ben never had a losing season 🤯
(via @ActionNetworkHQ) pic.twitter.com/qSDZObZwoe
— Fanatics Sportsbook (@FanaticsBook) January 4, 2022
While the individual numbers haven’t exactly been there for Roethlisberger, he has done enough this season to put his team in a position for a slim chance at a playoff spot. The Steelers will need a number of things to go their way in order to make the playoffs, starting with a win against the Ravens in Week 18.
Should they win against the Ravens, the Steelers will also need for the Jaguars to beat the Colts, and for the Chargers and Raiders game on Sunday night to not end in a tie.
[NFL.com]
