Big Ben Tribute...I remember when he first arrived in the NFL, my first impression was oh my gawd they got Conan the Barbarian at QB. Ben was so big and so strong and he looked like a Lineman at times just slinging DBs off him trying to make a sack or tackle, he could stand in the pocket forever.
And I want to say that I have never seen a tougher SOB at QB, Ben played in some of the hardest fought, heaviest hitters of the last 2 decades in the NFL. Those Playoff games vs Baltimore and Cinci and they were cold and dark and scary but he was there and many times he was on the winning side.
The last couple seasons or perhaps a bit longer have been painful for Pittsburgh and the fan base. I choose to remember Ben in his prime, some things off the field I don't forgive however I will say that ever since he landed in Goodell's doghouse and as far as what I have read, Ben did everything the NFL asked of him, he humbled himself within the Steelers' organization and to some degree I think he may have lost a bit of his early mojo let's say but all in all he's been a Hall of Fame QB that likely will go in 1st Ballot into Canton and rightfully so.
Pittsburgh, you been a Class-A organization as long as I can remember and I humbly tip my cap to all of you for putting a solid product on the field, running your front office with absolute class, and it might seem a little foggy right now with no clear vision at QB in 2022 but trust me you have the Coach that players want to team up with. We know there are QBs ready to make the jump so please don't be surprised if you are the next big city to get rented for 3-5 years by an established QB eager to work with Tomlin and your Front Office.
It's a team sport and it takes a lot of folks all working together with one goal to achieve the things you all have managed to achieve. There's no reason to hang your heads tonight, celebrate and help Ben ride off with nothing but smiles, you all will find success again and it won't take long, it rarely does for you all. That's why your the Pittsburgh Steelers
Cheers!