In a move that has sent shockwaves through the football world, the Pittsburgh Steelers have announced the return of legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, signing him to a historic two-year, $900 million contract.
The blockbuster deal, which guarantees every cent of the $900 million, is the largest in professional sports history, surpassing Patrick Mahomes’ $450 million contract and even Lionel Messi’s career earnings.
Roethlisberger, who retired from the NFL after the 2021 season, is now set for an unbelievable comeback at the age of 43, returning to the team he led for nearly two decades.
The Steelers, desperate for a return to Super Bowl contention, are gambling big on their former franchise quarterback—a move that has divided fans, shocked analysts, and reshaped the landscape of the NFL.
Why Did the Steelers Bring Back Big Ben?
Since Roethlisberger’s retirement in early 2022, the Steelers have struggled to find a consistent quarterback.
Quarterback Struggles Since Big Ben’s Retirement
• Kenny Pickett (2022-2024): Showed promise but was inconsistent. Traded to the Atlanta Falcons.
• Mitch Trubisky (2022-2023): Failed to secure the starting job. Left in free agency.
• Mason Rudolph (2022-2024): Reliable backup but not a long-term solution.
With the Steelers missing the playoffs in 2024, head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ front office decided drastic action was needed. Instead of developing a young quarterback, they turned back to the man who brought them two Super Bowl rings.
Ben Roethlisberger’s Reaction: “I Never Stopped Loving the Game”
Roethlisberger, who had spent his post-NFL years as a broadcaster and mentor, shocked the world by accepting the deal.
“I never stopped loving the game. When the Steelers called and asked if I had one more run in me, I couldn’t say no. I feel great, I’ve been staying in shape, and I’m ready to help bring another championship to Pittsburgh.”
Sources close to Roethlisberger say he had been secretly training for months, anticipating one final shot at a Super Bowl.
Breaking Down the Record-Breaking $900 Million Contract
Roethlisberger’s contract is the largest ever offered to an NFL player, dwarfing previous deals.
Comparing the Biggest NFL Contracts
| Player | Contract | Guaranteed Money | Length |
| Ben Roethlisberger | $900 million | $900 million | 2 years |
| Patrick Mahomes | $450 million | $141 million | 10 years |
| Lamar Jackson | $260 million | $185 million | 5 years |
| Joe Burrow | $275 million | $219 million | 5 years |
The fully guaranteed contract means Roethlisberger will earn $450 million per year—more than twice what Mahomes makes annually.
Why Did the Steelers Pay So Much?
Sources inside the Steelers’ organization say that ownership believes:
• Roethlisberger gives them the best shot at winning another Super Bowl.
• They needed to make a big splash to energize the fan base.
• The NFL salary cap is expected to skyrocket, making this deal less damaging long-term.
A high-ranking Steelers executive told reporters:
“You don’t get many chances to bring back a Hall of Fame quarterback. We weren’t going to let money stop us from making history.
Reactions from Around the NFL
As expected, the NFL world exploded when the news broke.
Teammates React
• T.J. Watt: “Welcome back, Big Ben! Let’s go get another ring.”
• George Pickens: “We got a Hall of Famer at QB. Steelers Nation, it’s time!”
NFL Legends Weigh In
• Tom Brady: “I respect it. If he still has the fire, why not?”
• Peyton Manning: “I thought I had seen it all in football… but this? Wow.”
Fans Are Divided
Steelers fans took to social media, with mixed reactions.
Positive Reactions
• “Big Ben is back! This is the best day of my life!”
• “I’d rather have a 43-year-old Roethlisberger than any QB we’ve had since he retired.”
Negative Reactions
• “We’re paying $900 million for a guy who hasn’t played in years? This is insanity.”
• “I love Big Ben, but this feels desperate.”
Is Roethlisberger Ready? Training and Physical Condition
One of the biggest concerns is whether Roethlisberger is physically capable of handling the rigors of the NFL.
Reports from his training sessions indicate:
• He has lost 25 pounds since his retirement.
• He has been working with throwing specialists to regain arm strength.
• He has been studying film with Mike Tomlin and new offensive coordinator Brian Johnson.
Roethlisberger reassured fans:
“I feel better than I have in years. My arm is fresh, my body is rested, and my mind is sharp. I’m ready.”
What This Means for the Steelers’ 2025 Season
With Roethlisberger under center, the Steelers’ Super Bowl odds have skyrocketed overnight.
Steelers Before & After Roethlisberger’s Signing
| Category | Before Signing | After Signing |
| Super Bowl Odds | +5000 | +700 |
| Division Odds | 4th in AFC North | 1st in AFC North |
| Fan Attendance Projections | 80% capacity | 100% sellouts |
Steelers’ 2025 Roster with Roethlisberger
Offense:
• QB: Ben Roethlisberger
• RB: Najee Harris
• WR1: George Pickens
• WR2: Diontae Johnson
• TE: Pat Freiermuth
• OL: Upgraded in free agency
Defense:
• DE: T.J. Watt
• S: Minkah Fitzpatrick
• LB: Alex Highsmith
The Steelers already had a dominant defense, but now, with Roethlisberger leading the offense, they’re a legitimate championship contender.
What’s Next? When Will We See Big Ben Back in Action?
The Steelers plan to unveil Roethlisberger in a massive press conference at Acrisure Stadium next week, with thousands of fans expected to attend.
Key Dates for Roethlisberger’s Return
• March 25, 2025 – Official press conference introducing Roethlisberger
• April 15, 2025 – Steelers OTA workouts begin
• August 2025 – Preseason debut
• September 2025 – First regular-season game
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Rewritten
Ben Roethlisberger’s return to the Steelers is one of the most incredible comeback stories in sports history.
At 43 years old, he is attempting to do something no quarterback has ever done before—win a Super Bowl after being retired for years.
Is this a brilliant move by the Steelers, or will it end in disaster?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain