Retired Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has fans buzzing after a recent photo surfaced showing him looking leaner and fitter than ever. The 43-year-old, who last played in 2021, was captured at Irish Creek, a golf club in Kannapolis, North Carolina, during a charity tournament on Monday, March 24, 2025, for the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation. MLFootball posted the image on X, writing, “Legendary Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger appears to have lost significant weight since retiring a couple of years ago. Big Ben appears to be in the best shape of his life.”
Roethlisberger, who confirmed he never considered coming out of retirement after his 18-year NFL career, hasn’t let himself go like many former players. His Steelers tenure was remarkable—never a losing season, two Super Bowl victories, and 64,088 passing yards, ranking him fifth all-time among quarterbacks. Now, as he awaits his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 2026, he’s clearly focused on staying in top form, a stark contrast to the “Big Ben” physique fans remember from his playing days.
The photo sparked nostalgia and admiration, with fans marveling at his transformation. It also comes amid playful comments Roethlisberger made about the Steelers’ recent blockbuster trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf. At the time, Pittsburgh had no quarterbacks on the roster, prompting Roethlisberger to joke on Instagram while wearing his old Steelers helmet, “Coach T [Mike Tomlin], are you kidding me? DK Metcalf on one side, GP [George Pickens] on the other? Muth [Pat Freiermuth] working the middle? I might need to throw my hat in the ring. If you’re looking for a guy, I might still have a couple of throws in me!” Despite the quip, Roethlisberger has stayed firm on his retirement, focusing instead on events like the charity golf outing.
Roethlisberger’s new look has reignited fan excitement, with some wondering if he could still play. But for now, he’s enjoying life off the field, showing that even in retirement, he’s still a winner—whether it’s on the golf course or in the gym.
