Roethlisberger came in with limited experience at the quarterback position, playing the position just one year in high school and leaving Miami of Ohio after his junior year. But as history has shown, it was a pick that has paid dividends, with Roethlisberger leading the Steelers to two Super Bowl titles while breaking countless records along the way.

But it all started during the NFL Draft, and here is a look back at what Roethlisberger had to say immediately after being drafted by the Steelers, and what then Coach Bill Cowher said about him.

Ben Roethlisberger’s 2004 Draft Day comments:

On his timetable as far as starting: “It is hard say without talking to Coach (Cowher). I am more than willing to do whatever it is that Coach asks of me that is best for the team, whether that is coming in and play right now or learn behind Tommy (Maddox) for a little while. Whatever it is that the team asks of me and is best for the team, I am more than willing to do.”

On if he thinks it’s possible he could start as a rookie: “I don’t know, if they ask me to then I will be ready to do whatever I can. The big thing is that hopefully, if Tommy Maddox is willing to, I would like to learn as much as I can from him being a veteran and the quarterback there that he is. I am more than willing to learn everything that he is willing to teach me.”

On not having a lot of experience: “That is a big thing, people knocked me for time that I played and the level of competition, but I have played there for three years. I have been in school for four. Randy Moss, Chad Pennington, and Byron Leftwich came out from the MAC. They are not doing too badly right now in the NFL.”

Coach Bill Cowher on Roethlisberger on draft day:

On what he likes about the way Roethlisberger plays: “When you […]

Hope you’re having a Blessed one! — Ben, Ashley, Benjamin, Baylee & Bodie.

…and the right frame of mind!

“We want to show we are here, dedicated to this team, dedicated to having a great season. We are all about each other.” — Ben.

From Teresa Varley, Steelers.com:

While Monday was the first official day of Phase One of the offseason program, Tuesday is when things really kicked into gear for the Steelers with the day starting with a team meeting.

And it was a packed house at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

“It’s fun to be here first and foremost,” said Ben Roethlisberger. “It’s fun to be out there throwing with the guys. I haven’t thrown a football since the last game of the year, so to be able to get out and get some work with new guys, and guys who have been here, it’s fun first.”

The meeting, and the entire offseason program with the exception of minicamp, are all voluntary and the turnout has been top notch. Roethlisberger, Maurkice Pouncey and Cam Heyward, as well as other veterans such as Vince Williams, Alejandro Villanueva, Sean Davis and countless others, were all there showing their commitment.

“I expect nothing else,” said Roethlisberger.

Having the veterans there has a big impact on the younger players on the roster.

“It’s important right now,” said JuJu Smith-Schuster. “The more time we spend together, the more we can build that trust we have with each other and team building.

“Seeing the young guys here, the older guys here, it’s great. We are just following their path.”

James Conner, who spent part of his offseason working out in the Pitt weight room with Aaron Donald, was energized to be back and focused on getting ready for the season ahead.

“Seeing the young guys, the older guys. It’s great to be back,” said Conner. “You miss it. Everybody likes their free time, but there is nothing like building that camaraderie and being all together.

“And seeing all the veterans here, it shows the focus those guys have and the dedication those guys have to this team, their craft, and the job. Guys don’t have to be here, but they are still here. They like seeing the guys too. Being around this bond we have. It’s great to see the older guys.”


You can read more from Ms. Varley’s interviews here.


Photo:Rebecca Mehling/Steelers