WATCH: Ben Roethlisberger announces retirement after 18-year career

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and team legend Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement from the NFL in a heartfelt video Thursday after 18 years. The 2021 campaign was widely anticipated to be his last, prompting fond farewells from Steelers fans and rivals alike in the final weeks of the season.

Ben Roethlisberger played his full career with the Pittsburgh Steelers after they used the No. 11 pick in the 2004 NFL Draft on a quarterback from Miami (Ohio). The decision quickly paid off as the franchise cornerstone made the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team in 2004 after winning the MAC Most Valuable Player of the Year award in his final collegiate season.

Over the course of his career, Roethlisberger threw for 64,088 yards, 418 touchdowns and 211 interceptions. He also added 1,373 rushing yards – mostly in his younger years – and 20 more touchdowns.

A message from Ben:@steelers #NFL #SteelersNation #ThankYou#HereWeGo #LoveAndHonor pic.twitter.com/pUbKGO1nUs

— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) January 27, 2022

Known for his tough demeanor and ability to fight off hits from the NFL’s biggest and strongest defenders, he exemplified the Pittsburgh Steelers mentality established decades before his arrival. That combination of grit and a natural gift for leadership helped guide Roethlisberger and the Steelers to two Super Bowl trophies in 2005 and 2008.

In addition, Roethlisberger became a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL passing yards leader. He holds NFL records for most career 500-yard passing games with four and most completions in a regular or postseason game with 47.

He ranks No. 7 all-time in career passing yards, 12th all-time in passer rating (94.3), tied for No. 9 in yards per attempt (7.8 yards), and tied for 12th in completion percentage (64.4%). In his final NFL game, which came in the wild card round of the playoffs against the Kansas City Chiefs, Roethlisberger moved to No. 3 all-time in playoff passing yards and surpassed Brett Favre.

Ben Roethlisberger addresses 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,” Roethlisberger said in the video announcement. “While I know with confidence that I have given my all to the game, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all it has given me. A boy from Finley, Ohio with NFL dreams developed in Oxford at Miami University, blessed with the honor of 18 seasons as a Pittsburgh Steeler. And a place to call home. The journey has been exhilarating, defined by relationships and 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.

“First and foremost, I need to thank the Lord for all the many blessings he has bestowed on me. … To the Rooney family, the Tull family, coach Tomlin, coach Cowher and all the coaches who have poured into me, the incredible people in every level that make the Pittsburgh Steelers a special organization, thank you for believing in me and allowing me to battle with you in pursuit of excellence. 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. 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 sports, thank you for accepting and supporting me as your quarterback over the years.

“Football has been a gift, and I thank God for allowing me to play it.”