Ben Roethlisberger; Champion

Ben Roethlisberger has controversy surrounding him in every single one of the six seasons he has been in the NFL, and then he fights through it, and proves he has the Steel nerves of a champion.

In his rookie season starter veteran Tommy Maddox went down with an injury in week two, hoisting Big Ben into the starting role much earlier than expected. He answered the pressure emphatically, shattering the NFL QB rookie record, which was 6-0 ironically by another Steeler Mike Kruczek filling in for an injured Terry Bradshaw in 1976, by going 13-0 during the regular season finally losing to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game.

Then the next season Ben has the pressure of avoiding a sophomore slump. His first game he records a perfect passing rating. The rest of the way he leads his team to the sixth seed in the playoffs as they become the first ever six seed to win the Super Bowl, giving the franchise it’s fifth title ring and one for the thumb.

Next comes his motorcycle accident and appendicitis removal. He shows signs of injury throughout the season with Steelers fans questioning whether Charlie Batch, who played very well in Roethlisberger’s absence, should be the starter. They go just 8-8 but Ben doesn’t complain one bit about his injuries and doesn’t make one excuse.

After his mediocre season of 2006 Big Ben (I also like to call him the horse because he’s ridiculously huge in person) bounces back with his best statistical season to date, breaking the Steelers single season TD passing record by tossing thirty-two completions to the end zone. They didn’t win the Super Bowl, but he did quiet critics questioning if his skills had diminished.

Then last year comes around and he leads the Steelers to the number two seed in the AFC, while playing the hardest schedule in the past 30 years, and gives the organization their unprecedented sixth Super Bowl title.

Now he’s in the spot light as the Super Bowl defending QB once again, poised to compete for his name to be considered among the elite’s of today’s game and with all-timers from yesteryear.

Then he’s hit with this civil law suit by a woman, that he does know, accusing him of raping her over a year ago, which he adamantly and angrily denies.

Nothing is surprising anymore when it comes to the legend of Ben Roethlisberger, so don’t be surprised when he comes out and plays better than he ever has before.

At ease Steelers fans, when Big Ben is ticked off (get it, the Big Ben bell clock) is when this star shines his brightest. Whooooa Steeler’s nation, this horse will keep you giddy and will giddy up his team mates for another Super Bowl run.