Ben Roethlisberger, the longtime quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has announced his retirement.
This is not a huge surprise as the 39-year-old quarterback hinted that this could be his last season. He finishes his football career as the fifth all time in yards passing (64,088) and completions (5,440) and eighth in touchdowns thrown (418).
He made his announcement in a video posted to his Twitter account.
Click inside to watch…More Here! »
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has released in a statement in which he expresses regret for not standing on the field for the National Anthem during the team’s game this weekend.
The team took a stance to stay in the tunnel together after President Trump told the NFL to fire players who decide to take a knee during the National Anthem.
One player, offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva who is also a retired Army ranger, decided to stand on the field for the anthem and Roethlisberger wishes he joined him.
“I was unable to sleep last night and want to share my thoughts and feelings on our team’s decision to remain in the tunnel for the national anthem yesterday,” Ben wrote in the statement. “The idea was to be unified as a team when so much attention is paid to things dividing our country, but I wish we approached it differently. We did not want to appear divided on the sideline with some standing and some kneeling or sitting.”
“As a team, it was not a protest of the flag or the Anthem. I personally don’t believe the anthem is ever the time to make any type of protest. For me, and many others on my team and around the league, it is a tribute to those who commit to serve and protect our country, current and past, especially the ones that made the ultimate sacrifice,” he continued.”
“I appreciate the unique diversity in my team and throughout the league and completely support the call for social change and the pursuit of true equality. Moving forward, I hope standing for the anthem shows solidarity as a nation, that we stand united in respect for the people on the front lines protecting our freedom and keeping us safe. God bless those men and women,” Roethlisberger concluded.
Villaneuva‘s jerseys have become the top-selling in the NFL this week.
Ben Roethlisberger is currently competing in the AFC Championship Game with his team the Pittsburgh Steelers and we bet his wife Ashley Harlan and their three kids are cheering him on!
The 34-year-old quarterback has been married to Ashley since 2011 and they are the parents to Benjamin Jr, 4, Baylee, 2, and Bodie, almost 9 months.
Ben‘s nickname is Big Ben and he has been playing for the Steelers since 2004. He has two Super Bowl rings from 2006 and 2009. Now he’s hoping he’ll be adding his third one next month!
Ben has shared so many adorable photos of his family on his Facebook page over the past year. Go see them now.
