Ben Roethlisberger Retires After 18 NFL Seasons and Two Super Bowl Wins

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement Thursday after 18 season in the NFL that included two Super Bowl victories. In a video posted to his Twitter account, Roethlisberger said his "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. I retire from football a truly grateful man," Roethlisberger said over footage showing highlights of his career.

The No. 11 overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft out of Miami University was a six-time Pro Bowler. The Steelers never had a losing season during Roethlisberger's career and won Super Bowls 40 and 46.

The player known universally as "Big Ben" posted a 165-81-1 record as a starter, the most in franchise history and fifth-most ever.

"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," he said. "While I know with confidence I have given my all to the game, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all it has given to me."

Roethlisberger ended his career in the playoffs, as he finished the regular season with two straight wins to secure a postseason berth. While the Steelers were bounced by the Kansas City Chiefs, 42-21, Roethlisberger threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns.

In addition to winning two Lombardi trophies, Roethlisberger finished his career with the fifth-most passing yards n NFL history.

This story was originally published by CBS News on Jan. 27, 2022 at 10:50 a.m. ET.

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