There are many words to describe Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Big. Tough. Heart. Champion. All of these attributes that make "Big Ben" one of the most beloved players ever to don the black and gold were on full display during the 2008 season. In week 17, the last game of the regular season, the 11-4 Steelers hosted the 4-11 Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field with Terrible Towels waving in abundance. Late in the 2nd quarter with Pittsburgh leading 7-0, Ben dropped back and completed a short pass to tight end Heath Miller. On the play, he took a vicious hit from Browns linebackers Willie McGinest and D'Qwell Jackson and suffered a serious head/neck injury. He lay on the grass for 15 minutes and had to be carted off the field on a stretcher as 60,000+ fans held their breath. Byron Leftwich came on in relief and the Steelers won 31-0 to secure a 1st round bye in the playoffs. But all thoughts were on Big Ben. Ultimately, he sustained a concussion, but it looked much worse. Luckily for Steeler fans, Big Ben is a warrior. He was back just two weeks later leading his team to a playoff victory over San Diego. He capped off the 2008 season with a legendary game-winning drive in Super Bowl XLIII to stun the Arizona Cardinals, giving the Steelers their 6th title to stand alone as the NFL's most accomplished franchise.
Featured here is the very home jersey Roethlisberger wore during that December 29, 2008 game against the Browns when he was carted off the field. In case the injury was neck or spine-related, the Steelers' medical staff stabilized him on a stretcher and, to prevent further harm, had to cut the jersey to remove it and treat him. The black home Reebok jersey has all the appropriate characteristics of a Big Ben gamer. There is a "08-50" strip tag inside the collar indicating the year and size. Ben's No. "7" is sewn on front and back in white tackle twill. Ben has autographed the back number in 8/10 black marker. The Reebok patch is on both shoulders above the gold, black and white striped pattern, while the Steelers logo and NFL Equipment shield patches are on the front where they should be. A customized hem elastic fitting has been added to the shirttail. Just inside is the Reebok manufacturer's tag with size "50" flag tag. "RODGERS" is marked in faded Sharpie. It is well-documented that the Steelers are among the most resourceful teams in the NFL when it comes to recycling equipment. As mentioned, the jersey is cut from the right front shirttail up the right elastic side along the seam and through the right sleeve and collarbone area to the neck. On the other side, there is cut from the neck through the left collarbone area and the left sleeve. The left elastic side is uncut. Essentially, it opens to the left like a door. They are clearly precise cuts made with medical scissors, not ripped by hand. In addition, there is a team repair next to the front "7" that can be photo-matched (Getty 84131583), plus a couple minor tears around the same number.
It's rare enough that Big Ben gets knocked out of a game. He is ten times tougher than his imposing 6'5" 240 lb. frame. It's even rarer that a gamer from such occasion (during his 2nd Championship season mind you) surfaces in the hobby. We have Ben and his athlete representation agency, Rep 1 Sports, to thank for that. The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation (http://bigben7.com/the-ben-roethlisberger-foundation) supports K-9 units and service dogs of police and fire departments throughout the U.S. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to this cause. What a treat to offer this awesome, injury-sustained gamer from the man who has taken hundreds of punishing blows over his career and laid it on the line for his team time and again.
Includes Letter of Authenticity from Ben Roethlisberger. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.