Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger Reveals Shocking Thoughts During Career Defining Play: "This Is So Stupid"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are yet again on the quest to win their seventh Super Bowl, a quest that has been ongoing since the Steelers last hoisted the Lombardi Trophy following winning Super Bowl XLIII in spectacular fashion. Steeler Nation has become overly anxious as the team doesn't even have a playoff win in nearly a decade, but starting off the 2026 season 1-0 after defeating the Atlanta Falcons has the team on the right track. 

In their last Super Bowl victory, the Steelers' offense had to march down the field late in the fourth quarter to win the game. That drive has been etched in history due to its spectacular nature, as it is known as one of the best endings in Super Bowl history and arguably the best catch in Super Bowl history to finish off the game-winning drive. On a recent episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had former wide receiver Santonio Holmes join him to discuss the Steelers' start to the season, as well as reminisce over the history they had together while wearing the Black and Gold. 

The infamous duo went in depth on their Super Bowl victory, and discussed what they were thinking going into that final drive and ultimately, the final offensive play that won the Steelers their sixth Super Bowl. While most will remember the outstretched arms of Holmes, the toe tap, the perfectly placed throw over three defenders, that isn't exactly what Roethlisberger and Holmes were thinking as the play was progressing. 

Holmes mentioned that he originally thought the play was going to be blown up by a linebacker initially lined up in front of him, and even stumbled to the point he had to catch himself on the ground anticipating contact. Eventually Holmes got into his route and knew he had the defense right where he wanted them, but Roethlisberger didn't have the same confidence even as the ball left his hands. Roethlisberger made it clear he was very concerned about the decision he made to throw the ball to Holmes in the corner of the end zone. Luckily, his instinct to let it rip and trust his big play wide receiver outweighed his concerns. 

"I remember, my perspective is, I let it go and I'm like, 'This is so dumb, it is intercepted. This is so stupid,'" said Roethlisberger on his Super Bowl winning throw.

If the ball was just about anywhere else, the ball was either going to be intercepted or over the outstretched arms and fall incomplete. While that wouldn't have been the last play of the game if the ball were to fall incomplete, only two more downs were available for the Steelers to finish off with a win. 

It is hard to imagine that Roethlisberger actually thought that the ball he threw was a 'stupid' decision, but in the moment it was likely much easier to think that whereas everyone else is only looking back at one of the best plays in Super Bowl history. 

Steelers Shouldn't Worry About DK Metcalf's Drops Just Yet According To Roethlisberger

While the previously mentioned amazing catch by Holmes is enshrined in Super Bowl history, current Steelers No. 1 wide receiver DK Metcalf isn't quite matching that level of performance. Metcalf had a rough Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, and while he was only credited with one drop, there were multiple other plays many would argue he should have made throughout the game. Many of which would have opened up the offense and likely would have given the Steelers a more convincing win. 

Roethlisberger isn't too worried about Metcalf's performance against the Falcons, however, and mentioned the lack of reps in the preseason for Metcalf as a reason why he is still getting himself into form. With the Steelers getting the win, the subpar performance likely won't be anything that sticks past week 1. However, should the offense falter due to continued struggles by Metcalf, many will continue to point to his massive contract and expect him to raise his performance to another level. 

Let us know your thoughts on X (@matt_papiernik) about Roethlisberger's comments.

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