[Sportsgirl]

Ben Roethlisberger signs 8-year extension with Steelers


PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger signed an eight-year extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers that makes him one of the NFL's highest-paid players.
The team did not release financial terms, but ESPN.com reported Monday the deal is worth $102 million.
"Ben has been an outstanding leader on the field for the Steelers since his rookie year and we are very happy to know that he will be our quarterback for many years to come," Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement.
The Pro Bowl quarterback led the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory two years ago and has been the starter all four seasons with the team.
Roethlisberger threw 32 touchdown passes with only 11 interceptions in leading the Steelers to the playoffs this season, bouncing back from an injury-marred season.
He was hurt in a serious motorcycle accident in the 2006 offseason, then underwent an appendectomy. Although he started 15 games, his play was subpar. He threw 23 interceptions, three more than he had thrown in his first two seasons, and Pittsburgh failed to make the playoffs.
This season, he led the Steelers to a 10-6 record and the AFC North title before they were eliminated by Jacksonville in the playoffs.
Roethlisberger was the third quarterback taken in the '04 draft, behind Eli Manning and Philip Rivers, and the 11th choice overall. He started 13 games his rookie season and was voted offensive rookie of the year, the first quarterback to win the award since it was first given in 1957. The next year he led the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory.

[Robyn]

And will you be celebrating with a nice cold stella?

[Sportsgirl]

And will you be celebrating with a nice cold stella?

[Robyn]

6, i meant 6.

[Sportsgirl]

yes, then.

[RageWizard]

My wife will also be happy and probably celebrating with a bottle of merlot. Looks like the Big Ben is going to be their guy for a while. Good for them the last time they had a good quarterback is when old baldy was throwing the turd pill in the '70's.

[Sportsgirl]

My wife will also be happy and probably celebrating with a bottle of merlot. Looks like the Big Ben is going to be their guy for a while. Good for them the last time they had a good quarterback is when old baldy was throwing the turd pill in the '70's.

You mean that guy with 4 super bowl rings who parleyed his football success into a movie and TV career with millions?

[pico]

who would know miami ohio has such great talent. he is a great qb

[mofome]

rumor has it they tried to deal parker, ben, and 2 first round picks for Jason Campbell but the skins wouldn't bite.

[RageWizard]

You mean that guy with 4 super bowl rings who parleyed his football success into a movie and TV career with millions?

Yeah, was his first movie Cannonball run, Smokey and the Bandit, or what?

[Sportsgirl]

Yeah, was his first movie Cannonball run, Smokey and the Bandit, or what?

I think it was that one. And I never said he was a good actor, just that he was one.

[RageWizard]

I think it was that one. And I never said he was a good actor, just that he was one.

He's got one of my favorite lines on all time.

"I can't see Shit can you"

[SBR Lou]

Nancy I'm happy that you're happy, but don't you think they paid a little too much for his services? Big Ben does have the ability to make signature plays when everything breaks down around him, but in essence, he's an excellent "system" QB. I understand as he develops more and whatever he'll be asked to do more, but I think he's been at his absolute best when he's not asked to do very much. Obviously he's had great games to the contrary, but I just think they paid him like an extra $20 or so million that he doesn't really deserve.

[Sportsgirl]

Nancy I'm happy that you're happy, but don't you think they paid a little too much for his services? Big Ben does have the ability to make signature plays when everything breaks down around him, but in essence, he's an excellent "system" QB. I understand as he develops more and whatever he'll be asked to do more, but I think he's been at his absolute best when he's not asked to do very much. Obviously he's had great games to the contrary, but I just think they paid him like an extra $20 or so million that he doesn't really deserve.

I think most athletes make too much money. And the Steelers organization is famous for not paying and letting key people go: can you say Alan Faneca? and an arms-length list of others. But, Pittsburgh hasn't had a realiable, can get you to the big game QB since Bradshaw, so whatever they paid him is worth it at this point.
Besides, out of the pocket, I think Ben's one of the best around.

[SBR Lou]

Besides, out of the pocket, I think Ben's one of the best around.

Well that's good for you, because it's looking like they aren't doing much to ensure he'll be able to stand upright in the pocket.

[Sportsgirl]

Well that's good for you, because it's looking like they aren't doing much to ensure he'll be able to stand upright in the pocket.

You got a good point, there, although, the Steelers have always drafted well, so we'll see.

[BadNina]

Yay for Nanc!!!

[Wrigley]

I would not call him great quite yet, among the best but lets not put him in canton quite yet.

[SBR Lou]

I would not call him great quite yet, among the best but lets not put him in canton quite yet.

Agree. In todays NFL though I don't think being considered one of the best is a real badge of honor.