When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Ben Roethlisberger, they hoped they'd found their franchise quarterback. Looking back after 18 seasons, two Super Bowls, and countless memories, Roethlisberger turned out to be so much more than they could have imagined. Selected 11th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, Roethlisberger’s arrival marked a turning point for the team.
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Late Steelers Owner Dan Rooney along side Head Coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger after a victorious Super Bowl XLIII.
For any rookie entering the NFL, the experience is transformative, but for a college superstar quarterback, the emotions must have been overwhelming. Roethlisberger had just one pre-draft visit, and it was with the Steelers. Pittsburgh clearly liked Roethlisberger, but they also considered Eli Manning and Philip Rivers. Head Coach Bill Cowher had originally favored drafting offensive lineman Shawn Andrews from Arkansas.
However, Cowher made a promise to take one of the three quarterbacks available with the 11th pick, and Roethlisberger was the one who landed in Pittsburgh. Steelers fans can only wonder how different the team’s history might have been if they had chosen Andrews instead.
On Roethlisberger's podcast Footbahlin, he shared some of his earliest memories of being drafted to the Steelers. While he recalled several moments, the first one that stood out was his phone call with Cowher.
"The first two that I have is answering the call from Coach Cowher in the green room," Roethlisberger said. "Before that, my first Steeler memory was, during my pre-draft visit, the only one I went to. I remember walking down the hallway at the South Side facility. I saw Antwaan Randle El and all of those guys. I was like, 'Holy cow, this is crazy.'"
Roethlisberger took over a team desperately in need of a quarterback. While Cowher was high on Roethlisberger, he also understood the importance of bolstering the offensive line. However, Cowher knew he couldn’t afford to miss out on a talent like Roethlisberger, and in hindsight, it’s clear the Steelers made the right decision.
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Former Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher yells at Ben Roethlisberger during a professional football game in Pittsburgh, PA.
There was also the option of sticking with Tommy Maddox, and the team was comfortable with that scenario if Roethlisberger, Manning, or Rivers weren’t available. For Steelers fans, hearing Roethlisberger reflect on his early days with the team is always fascinating.
As they look to the future, there’s hope that Pittsburgh can find their next franchise quarterback. Since Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers have struggled to secure a long-term solution under center. Speculation is rife for the 2025 NFL Draft, with some predicting the Steelers might reach for a quarterback.
Others suggest they could bring back veterans like Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, or even explore both options. The free agent market could also be an avenue the Steelers consider in their quest to find their next leader at quarterback. The Steelers have been linked to a wide range of quarterbacks—veterans, busts, and question marks—and that trend will likely continue as the future of the position remains uncertain.
Steelers Could Find The Next Ben Roethlisberger In The 2025 Draft, But It Would Be A Huge Gamble
Steelers fans are eager for the team to find their next Roethlisberger. One draft expert even referred to quarterback Cam Ward as the next Roethlisberger. However, Ward will likely be off the board long before Pittsburgh picks at 21. While it's highly unlikely and would be quite a surprise, some have floated the bold idea of the Steelers trading up to select Ward. As wild as it sounds, such a move could demonstrate a serious commitment to finding their next franchise quarterback.
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Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) warms up prior to the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium.
One thing is for certain, Pittsburgh must address the future of its quarterback position. As the NFL becomes more quarterback-driven and continues to evolve, the Steelers feel like they are falling behind. Solving the quarterback dilemma is the crucial first step in moving the team forward. Steeler Nation will continue to get more clarity as the 2025 offseason progresses.
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