Ben Roethlisberger won’t risk brain injury

Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says he won’t risk a brain injury when on the field.

Big Ben is renowned for his toughness and his ability to play through seemingly any injury. Heck, he came back earlier than any anticipated from a foot injury to back up Landry Jones and ended up throwing for an NFL record for a backup, 379 yards. Roethlisberger is utterly fantastic at playing through pain and injury and still lead his team to victory. However, after Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Big Ben has since said that he is unwilling to risk a brain injury.

After taking a shot to head on a 4th quarter drive, Roethlisberger checked himself in for concussion protocol. He consequently did not return for the final Steelers’ drive, and Landry Jones came in to end the game. Jones went on to be intercepted by Kam Chancellor on the final drive, and consequently Pittsburgh slipped to 6-5 and temporarily out of the AFC Wildcard race.

It is, however, an admirable move by Roethlisberger. The NFL has had a well documented problem with concussions of late, and the Steelers’ quarterback is acutely aware of the dangers a serious head injury can cause.

Roethlisberger stated “I have played through many injuries but the brain is not an injury you want to play with. When you’re done you want to be a husband or father, and if I have these brain injuries it’s not worth it.” Big Ben is clearly thinking about his future beyond the game, and it is nice to see someone value their family, future and health just as much as the result of a game.