Former Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Shares Eye-Opening Take On Ben Roethlisberger's Mentality

The Pittsburgh Steelers have gone through a carousel of quarterbacks since the retirement of legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The team eventually landed on another all-time great in Aaron Rodgers, who is in his second, and final, year in Pittsburgh. Both players are among the best of their respective eras and share similar skill sets. Rodgers has provided the best play at the quarterback position since Roethlisberger retired, which has been refreshing for Steelers fans. One of Rodgers' best attributes is that he has seen everything and stays very composed during stressful situations, and it sounds like Roethlisberger did too.

Roethlisberger was with the Steelers for a whopping 18 seasons, never playing for another team. He is regarded as one of the best quarterbacks of all time, and one of the most elite of the 2000s. He ranks seventh all-time in passing yards, eighth all-time in passing touchdowns, fifth all-time in completions, and eighth all-time in passing attempts. Roethlisberger has gone down as one of the most legendary players in Steelers history and will always be remembered for his gutsy, clutch play style.

Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spent 15 seasons with Roethlisberger as his quarterback, and the two formed a legendary duo. They won 136 games together and appeared in two Super Bowls, winning one of them. They captured seven AFC North division titles, winning the division nearly every other year.

Tomlin has always spoken about Roethlisberger in the highest regard, and the two have a massive amount of respect for one another. Both are now heavily involved with NFL media, with Tomlin working as an NFL studio analyst for NBC and Roethlisberger hosting his own podcast about the NFL. The two frequently reflect on their days as members of the Steelers and share experiences with their respective audiences. During a recent episode of Not Just Football, Tomlin spoke about Roethlisberger's mindset as a player and how he handled pressure.

"The most unbelievable thing about him is that just when it was thickest, when other people got uncomfortable, he was probably the most comfortable," Tomlin said. "I have not been around anybody that not only smiles in the face of adversity, but kind of loves it in the ways that he does. I was never in a situation with him that appeared to be too big for him."

The duo is one of the most beloved in Steelers history. While the Steelers have moved on and have their own issues at hand, hearing Tomlin relive the old times is a really cool moment and a step away from all the craziness that the team has gone through since Roethlisberger retired.

Pittsburgh has never truly found its direction since Roethlisberger retired, as the team has gone through a plethora of quarterbacks and offensive schemes since his departure. It seems like the Steelers have finally figured out a winning formula in 2026, as this current team looks like the most well-rounded unit that Steelers fans have seen in many years.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers And Mike McCarthy Could Become Pittsburgh Legends

Rodgers has already made it clear that he will retire from the NFL after the 2026 season. There is reason to believe that the Steelers will turn to a younger quarterback who is better suited for the team's long-term future. While Head Coach Mike McCarthy and Rodgers will probably share just one season in the Black and Gold, they have the chance to make it legendary. If the team can pull off a deep playoff run and maybe even win it all, they will instantly go down as Pittsburgh legends. 

Hopefully, this duo can bring postseason success back to the Steel City, because it desperately needs it. 

#SteelerNation