The Pittsburgh Steelers bid farewell to an era as they played their final home game with Ben Roethlisberger at the helm as their quarterback. This historic moment unfolded in Week 16 of the 2021 NFL season, a highly anticipated showdown against their long-standing rivals, the Cleveland Browns. Emotions ran high as fans packed then-Heinz Field, eager to witness the culmination of Roethlisberger's illustrious career in the black and gold.
It was a fitting tribute to the legendary quarterback as the Steelers seized victory in a thrilling contest against the Browns, triumphing with a score of 26-14. The atmosphere was electric, with every play and pass punctuated by roars of support from the passionate crowd.
Roethlisberger, known for his resilience and leadership on the field, delivered a performance unbefitting of his storied career. However, he was still able to rally his team to victory one last time on his home soil. Roethlisberger completed 24 of his 46 passing attempts, threw for just 123 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. While his numbers in that game were not very good, it got the job done.
The man snapping the football to Roethlisberger was the young center J.C. Hassenauer, hailing from the University of Alabama. Recently featured on the Bolt City podcast, Hassenauer delved into his experiences with the Steelers, shedding light on what it was like playing under the guidance of two esteemed coaches: Nick Saban at Alabama and Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh.
Steelers' Former Center J.C. Hassenauer Will Forever Remember Playing With Ben Roethlisberger
The former Steelers center was asked about his best memory of playing with Roethlisberger. As Hassenauer reminisced about his time playing alongside a two-time Super Bowl champion, his eyes lit up with a mix of nostalgia and admiration.
"My best memory with Ben is, I was fortunate enough to be his center for the last home game at Heinz Field that he played in. We were beating them [the Cleveland Browns] by two or three scores. It was enough for fans to start leaving. Not a single fan left.”
Although Roethlisberger's performance in terms of production may not have been outstanding in that Week 16 game, his farewell from his home field was poignant and fitting—a testament to his winning spirit. Throughout his career, Roethlisberger amassed numerous accolades, yet none can surpass the profound love and respect that Steeler Nation holds for him.
"That just goes to show the impact he had not only on the Steelers, but also on the city of Pittsburgh.”
Hassenauer will always cherish being able to be the guy snapping the football to Roethlisberger in his final home game in Pittsburgh. He also cherishes the moments he had with him as his teammate.
"It's the best combination because he's almost like a coach, because he knows so much. He's very informative, but he's also one of your teammates, so he's able to relate to you and talk to you.”
In his reflections, Hassenauer eloquently elaborated on the profound influence that Roethlisberger exerted, transcending mere on-field performance to encompass a realm of invaluable wisdom and strategic insight. Beyond the tangible contributions of a seasoned player, Roethlisberger's profound understanding of the game elevated his presence within the team to that of a mentor and a beacon of knowledge. His innate ability to dissect defenses, anticipate plays, and rally his teammates underscored his unparalleled value not only as a quarterback, but also as a leader.
Hassenauer shared the field with Roethlisberger as his teammate for two seasons in Pittsburgh before moving on to the New York Giants in 2023. Unfortunately, his entire 2023 season was spent on the injured reserve list, denying him the opportunity to play. Now at the age of 28 and with three NFL seasons under his belt, Hassenauer looks forward to regaining full health and making his mark at the highest level of the game. Nonetheless, he will forever cherish the special role of snapping the football to Roethlisberger in his final home game, a memory that holds a unique place in his heart.
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