ON THIS DAY: April 24, 2004, Ben Roethlisberger drafted by Steelers in first round
2004 NFL Draft NEW YORK - APRIL 24: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is seen after being selected 11th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2004 NFL Draft on April 24, 2004 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) (Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
By Matt Simmons
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — When National Football League teams gathered in New York City for the 2004 NFL Draft, the big name everyone was talking about was Eli Manning. Manning comes from a family of quarterbacks and was hot on the heels of his brother Peyton. He was highly desired by two teams, the Giants and the Chargers, and the suspense regarding his fate as the teams orchestrated a trade dominated coverage of the draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher was looking for a quarterback and with 11th pick overall, the team was just hoping to draft whoever was left. Cowher reportedly favored Phillip Rivers, but the Giants picked him up and promptly traded with the Chargers for Manning. That left Ben Roethlisberger. The Cleveland Browns picked sixth and were expected by many to pick the local favorite, but didn’t.
Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to the pass in the first half during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Heinz Field on October 8, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
2004 - Ben Roethlisberger (Miami [OH])
Steelers might just be getting started with Le’Veon Bell back in lineup PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 02: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hands off to Le’Veon Bell #26 in the second half during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Heinz Field on October 2, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Ben Roethlisberger Los Angeles Rams v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 10: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the sideline in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) (Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Bengals focus on game, not rivalry, with Steelers coming to town Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Cincinnati Bengals sacks Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Roethlisberger was injured on the play. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
SEPTEMBER 30: Injured quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (L) and head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers look on during the game in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Aller/Getty Images)
Aug 2, 2010; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes the ball during training camp.
Aug 2, 2010; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) points out coverage during training camp at St. Vincent College.
Roethlisberger autographed a football and a pair of his own cleats while he was at La Roche.
Ben Roethlisberger
Steelers player Ben Roethlisberger coached kids at the football ProCamp held at Seneca Valley High School in June.
Ben Roethlisberger
Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 6: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks onto the field before the start of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field on December 6, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 6: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes during the first half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field on December 6, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 6: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks with Offensive Coordinator Todd HAley during the first quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field on December 6, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 6: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes in the first quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field on December 6, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Aller/Getty Images)
FILE - This Dec. 20, 2015 file photo shows Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) walking on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Pittsburgh. The Steelers will face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich, file)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is sacked by Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) during the second half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015. The Ravens defeated the Steelers 20-17. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
FILE - In this file photo from Dec. 6, 2015, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh. The Steelers at 8-5 need to keep winning to keep a playoff hope alive while a win for the Broncos could clinch them a division championship and a home game in the playoffs. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich, File)
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 09: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers communicates at the line of scrimmage in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on Sunday. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
This Oct. 23, 2016 photo shows Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looking at the scoreboard during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) talks to his team in the huddle during the second half an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown of the Pittsburgh Steelers react after the pair connected for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 24, 2016 in Indianapolis. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
No. 5: Ben Roethlisberger, $21.85 million (Photo: Getty Images)
Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass in the first quarter during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger passes during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sept. 25, 2016, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a first quarter touchdown while playing the New York Jets at Heinz Field. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a second quarter pass while playing the New York Jets at Heinz Field. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is pressured by Miami Dolphins defensive end Andre Branch (50) as he scrambles out of the pocket during the AFC wild-card NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Jan. 8, 2017. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes during the first half of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) faces reporters following an AFC Wild Card NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017. The Steelers won 30-12. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger leaves the field after the AFC championship NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Jan. 22, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots won 36-17 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Jan. 15, 2017, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File)
Jan. 15, 2017, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File)
Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017 file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) plays against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
FILE - In this Dec. 25, 2016, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) talks with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) following an NFL football game in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger poses with Penguins mascot Iceburgh prior to Game One of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final against the Nashville Predators at PPG Paints Arena on May 29, 2017 in Pittsburgh. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) celebrates running back Le'Veon Bell (26) touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) celebrates running back Le'Veon Bell (26) touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, left, and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) talk after their NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Kansas City, Mo. The Steelers won 19-13. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) talks with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) takes the field before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Ben Roethlisberger runs off the field after the win over the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 29, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Pittsburgh defeated Detroit 2015. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 17: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against the New England Patriots on November 17, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 25: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs onto the field before the game against the Tennessee Titans during their preseason game on August 25, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 30: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers laughs during warm ups before a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on August 30, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is hit as he throws by Shawn Williams #36 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half during the game at Heinz Field. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass in the first quarter during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is hit as he throws by Shawn Williams #36 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on December 30. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 18: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers embrace before the game (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during practice at their NFL football training camp in Latrobe, Pa., Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
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In hindsight, it’s astounding that after the first 10 teams made their picks, the quarterback from Miami University in Ohio was still available. ESPN showed his anxious face as pick after pick passed him by and his agent tried to reassure him of his professional future.
Finally, the phone call from Cowher to Commissioner Paul Tagliabue marked the beginning of a new era for the team as Roethlisberger was announced as the 11th pick overall and first pick for the Steelers on April 24, 2004.
Cowher said Roethlisberger would become a “franchise quarterback” but no one could have predicted how soon “Big Ben” would fulfill that prophecy.
Roethlisberger started his rookie year playing third to Tommy Maddox and Charlie Batch. Batch was injured in a preseason game and Maddox had mixed success before also succumbing to injury in the regular season’s second game. Roethlisberger made his first NFL plays (including a touchdown pass and an interception) but the team still lost to the Ravens.
The Steelers’ plans to give Roethlisberger a season or two seeing light action and learning his craft evaporated as a result of Batch’s and Maddox’s injuries. Roethlisberger found himself under intense scrutiny as he became the starter and exceeded all expectations as he led the team to 13 consecutive victories and the AFC Championship Game.
The Super Bowl would elude Roethlisberger in that rookie season, but he’d go on to earn two rings for the city and a place on the all-time greatest quarterback list. He also tarnished his career with a series of off-field escapades in the wake of those trophies that soured many fans and led to a suspension before he matured into a team leader.