After 18 seasons, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has officially retired from the NFL and Steelers fans are sharing their reactions on social media.
2021 could be the last season for Hall of Fame greats like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, but for now, the rumors are just speculation.
For one first-ballot Hall of Famer, the rumors have been confirmed: it was the last season for Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger announced his retirement over Twitter and the outpouring of support came flooding in.
Twitter reacts to Ben Roethlisberger retirement from Steelers
You have been a gift, a absolute joy, & a real blessing, to both #SteelersNation & the #Steelers My 🖤💛 heart is broken right now. It’s been my honor & the greatest 18 years, being able to call you my QB. I wish you and your beautiful family much joy, love & many blessings. pic.twitter.com/014zljMFFq
— 𝙅𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙚 ➥ 👩🏻🦰 ★ 🔥 𝓝 ★ 🧊 ★ (@JustJeanne444) January 27, 2022
#ThankYouBen pic.twitter.com/6geEZNydiu
— Steel Dad (@SteelDad) January 27, 2022
Thank you for everything Ben. A legend. You helped give me the best memories growing up with family and friends. Watching you week in and week out.
— SteelerNation (@SteeIerNation) January 27, 2022
Former Steeler Rocky Bleier had a poignant message commemorating all that Roethlisberger has done for the organization over the years.
Ben- There are not enough words in a tweet to do you justice. You gave of yourself over and over again for the love of the game, the love of Pittsburgh,and the love of this Steelers team. There will never be another like you and I am looking forward to your future. -Rock
— Rocky Bleier (@RockyBleier) January 27, 2022
Bleier isn’t the only Steeler thankful for all that Roethlisberger has brought the city. The Steelers account thanked Big Ben with a graphic commemorating each and every season he spent in Pittsburgh.
For everything you've done for the organization, the city, and for the game. #ThankYou7 pic.twitter.com/a0AQWFVFUb
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 27, 2022
A career worthy of a Gold Jacket. #ThankYou7 pic.twitter.com/ujnDOOJYLO
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 27, 2022
And they changed their profile pic to honor Roethlisberger.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/MxVVJO8mab
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 27, 2022
Although his retirement becomes official today, Roethlisberger has been hinting at retirement, allowing for a farewell tour at the end of the 2021 season.
His first head coach, Bill Cowher, shared a nice note on Twitter.
Congratulations on an amazing career @_BigBen7 and good luck in your next chapter. pic.twitter.com/loPuPCkN7U
— Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS) January 27, 2022
On Jan. 27, the true farewell tour begins as the NFL world reflects on all Roethlisberger has done for the game and the city of Pittsburgh.
Respect to an all-time rival 🤝 https://t.co/AneEhbVb3d
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 27, 2022
Even the rival Baltimore Ravens had to salute Roethlisberger on his great career.