Cover Story - NFL Rising Stars
Big Ben -
NFL quarterbacks are made, not born. It's a demanding job that requires enormous skill, poise, and experience. That's why you hardly ever see a rookie QB break into the starting lineup. There's simply too much to learn. A rookie is supposed to watch...and wait.
Unless, of course, the rookie's name is Ben Roethlisberger. With the size of a linebacker, the agility of a running back, and a cannon for an arm, Big Ben is hardly a typical quarterback. Combine those physical attributes with the poise of a natural leader, and you have a young man who promises to be a superstar for many years to come.
That's good news for the Steelers, who didn't lose a single regular-season game in 2004 with Ben in the line-up. In fact, Ben is the first quarterback in NFL history to go undefeated in his first year.
Not surprisingly, he was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. So forget about waiting. Ben Roethlisberger's time is now.
Roethlisberger by the numbers - 2004 season:
completions: 196
attempts: 295
passing yards: 2,621
touchdowns: 17
rating: 98.1