Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger's Debut Still Haunts Former Ravens' Head Coach Brian Billick

Where were you when former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger made his career debut against the Baltimore Ravens in 2004? It’s a question that most Yinzers know the answer to, as they look back on that day fondly as the beginning of a new and exciting era for the black and gold.

Enter Steelers Rookie QB Ben Roethlisberger

It was Week 2 of the 2004 NFL season. “Ravens week,” as Head Coach Mike Tomlin likes to call it, came early that year. The 1-0 Steelers traveled to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, and were ready to face their rival head-to-head. Tensions were high as the Steelers were looking to come back from a 13-0 deficit in the third quarter, but things took a turn for the worse as cornerback, Gary Baxter took starting quarterback, Tommy Maddox down. Maddox hit the turf hard, clutching his right elbow in pain. Ravens fans rejoiced as the fate of the game lay in the hands of rookie quarterback out of Miami of Ohio, Ben Roethlisberger.  

Although the Ravens won the game, 30-13, the Steelers came out on top as they discovered their next franchise quarterback. Roethlisberger went on to lead the Steelers to a 15-1 record, ultimately losing in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. Players and fans knew that the Steelers were a serious Super Bowl contender, even convincing running back, Jerome Bettis to hold off on his retirement for one more year. Sure enough, just a little over a year later, Roethlisberger hoisted up the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in the 2006 Super Bowl.

Former Ravens’ head coach, Brian Billick, got to witness the rise of Roethlisberger firsthand. Billick revealed on 93.7 The Fan that Roethlisberger’s Week 2 debut still haunts him to this day:

“When he first came in, he came in against us because Tommy Maddox got hurt.  If we would have known how great a player Ben was going to be, I would have said nobody touch Maddox. We want this guy to stay in the game”

Billick continued to praise the former quarterback of the black and gold, applauding his strong arm, creativity and pure talent. Billick went on to say: 

“What he did with the limited throws he had, given the nature of the way they played. The way he could create plays beyond the design of the offense and physically wear you out by keeping the ball and getting the ball in the last minute. Just a spectacular player.”

Billick coached for the Ravens for nine seasons with a record of 80-64-0, including one Super Bowl win against the New York Giants. Over 18 seasons, Roethlisberger ranked fifth in all-time NFL career passing yards and completions. The quarterback finished his career eighth of all time in touchdowns with 418 and is highly expected to be a first ballot Hall of Famer.