The Significance Behind ‘Big Ben’ Being the Newest Inductee in the Steelers Hall of Honor
The Steelers Hall of Honor recognizes players who have made significant contributions to the franchise, on or off the field. The team announced the 2025 inductees at Saint Vincent College as a part of the Steelers Back Together Weekend celebration. This year’s class is quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, linebacker Joey Porter Sr., and center Maurkice Pouncey. Roethlisberger, Porter, and Pouncey will be inducted during a ceremony on Sunday, December 14th at Acrisure Stadium. Fans can purchase tickets on the official Steelers website. Tickets are limited, so fans should act fast. The 2025 Hall of Honor class will be honored with an on-field presentation during the Steelers’ December 15th game against the Miami Dolphins.
“Big Ben” Roethlisberger was the Steelers quarterback from 2004 until 2021. He played in 249 games, which is the most games that any individual player in Steelers history has played. When Roethlisberger retired, he remarked, “I don't know how to put into words what the game of football has meant to me and what a blessing it has been. While I know with confidence I have given my all to the game, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all it has given me.” Under Roethlisberger’s leadership, the Steelers had 12 postseason berths, won eight AFC North Championships, appeared in five AFC Championship Games, and made it to the Super Bowl three times. The Steelers won two of those Super Bowl games. When he was 23, Roethlisberger became the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl. The Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL. Roethlisberger also became the second-youngest quarterback to win a second Super Bowl. The Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in Super Bowl XLIII.
The Steelers chose Roethlisberger in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He went on to become the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Throughout his NFL career, Roethlisberger has amassed 64,088 passing yards, including 418 touchdowns. He’s ranked fifth in the NFL’s all-time passing yards leaders. He was selected for the Pro Bowl six times—in 2007, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. In 2021, Roethlisberger threw his 400th career touchdown pass. He ranks third in the NFL for the most wins at one stadium—Heinz Field, which is now called Acrisure Stadium. Speaking about this achievement, Roethlisberger said, “That's the one that means the most to me because it's about wins and winning is all I've ever really cared about and tried to do. It's not an individual thing. It's about wins, and that to me is special.”
The Steelers Hall of Honor was established in 2017. To be eligible, former players must have played for the Steelers for at least three seasons and been retired for at least three years. This is Roethlisberger’s first year of eligibility for the Hall of Honor. Roethlisberger spoke about being selected. He said, “When Art called early in the week, I was humbled. You never want to assume anything. It means a lot, the tradition of this team and the people on this wall. To have my name included with them is special.” Roethlisberger and Pouncey played together for 10 years. Roethlisberger spoke about sharing the honor with his teammate. He remarked, “That probably means as much going in with [Pouncey]. Other than Heath Miller, I can’t imagine going in with anyone better.”
