Steelers Announce Return of Legend Ben Roethlisberger

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to welcome back franchise icon Ben Roethlisberger — not in pads, but as a mentor for rookie quarterbacks — following the conclusion of Training Camp. His role is expected to focus on specialized development work during the critical post-camp phase.

Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl champion and 18-year veteran, returns to the organization to lead specialized quarterback training, with a focus on pocket presence, play-action fundamentals, and situational reads. His arrival comes at a pivotal moment, as the Steelers begin their Position Group Practices — a stage where technique refinement, mental reps, and film study define who stays and who slips from the 53-man roster.

“These kids need the Steelers’ spirit,” Roethlisberger said. “I’m here to pass the torch.”

The move directly impacts rookie quarterback Will Howard, a sixth-round draft pick entering a depth chart clouded by Mason Rudolph’s status and Aaron Rodgers’ undecided future. With 4,010 passing yards in college and a reputation for raw talent, Howard is viewed as a developmental project — and Roethlisberger’s mentorship could be a difference-maker.

Working alongside OC Arthur Smith, Roethlisberger aims to elevate an offense that ranked 24th in passing yards last season. His role will include running small-group QB drills, red zone execution walkthroughs, and individual film breakdowns — methods that once defined his own preparation as a player.

His presence also strengthens the team’s identity. Known for his toughness and situational IQ, Roethlisberger brings not only wisdom, but credibility — especially to a rookie like Howard, who now has a living blueprint to model after. That’s especially valuable in Pittsburgh’s notoriously demanding system.

With $32 million in cap space and a young core, the Steelers are retooling — not rebuilding. The hope is that Roethlisberger’s hands-on mentorship accelerates that timeline.

“You don’t just teach a rookie to throw,” one coach said. “You teach him how to think like a Steeler. That’s what Ben’s here for.”