Big Ben is coming back! Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Rothlisberger is returning to play another season of NFL football. The veteran player made the announcement this afternoon on his official Twitter page, where he promised Steeler Nation would give the team and his fans his ‘absolute best.’ This will be the quarterback’s fourteenth season with the team. The news was also announced on his official website and eventually picked up by several news outlets.
An offseason in question
Roethlisberger has had fans and Steelers staff alike worried about what he would do after the team failed to make it to the Super Bowl this past year.
(The team had lost to the New England Patriots during the final playoff game before the Super Bowl.) He had announced on a radio show in January that he was going to take the offseason to reflect on what to do, leading fans and staff to wonder if he was going to retire.
At the time Steelers coach, Mike Tomlin announced that they would have a plan in place should Roethlisberger decide to retire from the NFL for good. While he did not give a specific plan, he said that they were taking all things into consideration.
However, he remained optimistic that the team's quarterback would return.
Last month, Big Ben announced that he was leaning towards returning, but did not say anything official until now.
Steelers Nation reaction
The Steelers have also announced the happy news on their own official site and social media pages. Tomlin also shared his joy, saying that they were all hoping for him to return. He went on to say that he and Ben have been in constant contact regarding the issue and that he (Roethlisberger) will do whatever it takes to help lead the Steelers to victory.
Fans have also taken to social media to express their joy over the fact that their favorite quarterback would be playing once again.
Big Ben's Steelers accomplishments
The 35-year old quarterback has been with the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2004. He was a first draft, 11th overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and signed a six-year contract with the team.
He extended the contract in 2008 and declared that he wanted to retire a Steeler. He has not played for any other team while he has been playing in the NFL.
During his first thirteen seasons with the team, Big Ben set several records. He currently holds the record for the most touchdowns and most passing yards in the team's history. The record was originally set by former Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw.
