Terry Bradshaw says Ben Roethlisberger 'took it to another level' in his career

(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Following Ben Roethlisberger's official retirement announcement on Thursday morning, the Steelers official Twitter account sent out a bunch of messages from Roethlisberger's former teammates and past Steelers, who congratulated him on his Hall of Fame career.

While it was already known that Terry Bradshaw and Roethlisberger's relationship has improved, it was still neat to see Bradshaw deliver a video message to Roethlisberger.

"Congratulations on an outstanding career, just (an) amazing career," Bradshaw said of Roethlisberger. "One of the all-time greats to ever play this game. I was a Steeler for many years and you came on board and just took it to another level that those of us outside of the Steelers organization, but inside the NFL, absolutely know how hard it was to do what you've done over 18 years. So, congratulations my friend. I've enjoyed watching you play, watching you grow up, winning Super Bowls. You're a mountain of a man, and the way you played was so inspiring. I loved watching you play. What a great salute to the fans in Pittsburgh who love you so much, as does all of us at FOX, me and the NFL. Congratulations, outstanding career. And I look forward to your speech at the Hall of Fame, because that's where you're heading my friend."

Other than Bradshaw having the advantage in Super Bowl titles, 4-2, Roethlisberger holds all the major passing record in franchise history. By a large margin, too.

Bradshaw and Roethlisberger didn't always see eye-to-eye, as Roethlisberger ignored Bradshaw when he told him that he shouldn't be riding a motorcycle, and an accident ended up happening.

On June 12, 2006, Roethlisberger was riding his black 2005 Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle, helmetless and without a permit, in downtown Pittsburgh when he collided with a Chrysler New Yorker. Roethlisberger hit the windshield, rolled over the roof of the car and struck the ground headfirst. He suffered a broken jaw and nose and underwent seven hours of surgery. "If I ever ride again," he said afterward, "it certainly will be with a helmet."

Bradshaw also called out Roethlisberger when he had two sexual assault cases. Roethlisberger was never charged in either allegation, but Bradshaw was upset with his reckless behavior.

"When I told him to park the motorcycle, he got pissed. Alright?" Bradshaw said in 2010 after Roethlisberger's second sexual assault allegation. "Then he had the accident. And since then, there's, you know... he doesn't like me, and I'm learning not to like him."

Bradshaw also said he never went out clubbing during his career. Roethlisberger was 28 at the time and was bar hopping at college bars in Milledgeville, Ga.

"I hardly ever went a club -- ever -- in 14 years in Pittsburgh," Bradshaw said. "Count 'em on one hand. I was petrified of the problems you can get into. And I almost got into... it's there, believe me."

Bradshaw had a Zoom interview with Roethlisberger that aired on the FOX pregame show on Oct. 11, 2020, before the Steelers-Eagles game. It was the first time that Bradshaw and Roethlisberger had a one-on-one interview.

“We have not had a good relationship. We didn’t have any relationship,” Bradshaw said. “Talking to him for a long time has certainly helped me — and him, I believe — come closer together. Where when I see him now in Pittsburgh, we can hug and embrace because we’re two quarterbacks that played for the Steelers.

“It’s not only good for me; it’s good for him, it’s good for the Steelers organization, the city of Pittsburgh,” Bradshaw added. “It means a lot to me, so I appreciate Ben.”