After playing your whole career with one team, and after much success, no word would describe your tenure like thankful. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger gained national attention for asserting that God blessed him on Monday night. Roethlisberger said he’s grateful for the fans and his family during a post-game on-field interview with ESPN. He continued with, “the good Lord has blessed me in so many ways.” Roethlisberger made this declaration in what many speculate to be his last home game ever after 18 seasons with the Steelers. While his retirement isn’t set in stone, many media outlets say it’s forthcoming.

Roethlisberger, also known as Big Ben, was also grateful that his potential final home game was a 26-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Big Ben’s 164th win with the team was a notable accomplishment. He has the most wins of any quarterback with any team in NFL history. Roethlisberger played college football at Miami University, and the Steelers drafted him in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. This message to God wasn’t a surprise to those who know him. Roethlisberger has been open about his Christian faith and the struggles he’s overcome, including the addictions that he’s endured.

At a 2020 ManUp event in Pittsburgh, Roethlisberger opened up about facing addictions like alcohol and pornography. He also discussed how fans put athletes on pedestals, feeling like they’re above everyone else. However, he said that athletes are humans like everyone else and that he’s no different. They make mistakes, get addicted to things, and fall short like everyone else. Roethlisberger went on to say that despite his struggles, it’s possible to overcome barriers and challenges if you press on with God. You must understand that you have to dedicate yourself and move forward with the grace of God. He also said that you don’t have to be perfect. You’re good enough just how you are.

Big Ben also shared that he was baptized a second time to rededicate his life to God during that event. As for why he decided to get baptized again, he said that he felt that it was necessary, that he wanted to have a better relationship and a closer walk with Jesus. He also felt that getting baptized again would better his relationship with his wife and kids and help him become a better person. Many people choose to get baptized again for the same reasons.

Ben Roethlisberger has had a very successful career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s played for 18 seasons in the NFL, won two Super Bowl rings, on top of many other accomplishments. Despite his shortcomings and struggles, God continued to bless him. Roethlisberger knows that he wouldn’t be the successful player he is today without help from God. Roethlisberger went as far as getting baptized again because that’s how meaningful his relationship with God is to him. In the times that we fall short, that’s when we should cling to God the most. He understands that we’re not perfect, yet He chooses to love us anyway.