Dear Ben:
It’s like you invented Hershey’s Chocolate, Heinz Ketchup, and the absolute best pierogi in Pittsburgh.
Page-one praise, television tributes, social media salutes, and respect from rivals.
You deserve it all, too. A pair of Lombardis, 16 postseasons, and more than 60,000 passing yards while tossing 396 touchdowns in 232 victories are the contents of a Hall of Fame resume. Terry Bradshaw recorded a 70.6 quarterback rating during his 12 seasons, and you will complete your 18-year career at 94 percent.
Plus, you accomplished the unthinkable. You allowed Steeler Nation to forget about every starting quarterback that followed Bradshaw, including Cliff Stoudt, Bubby Brister, Neil O’Donnell, and Kordell Stewart, when you took over for an injured Tommy Maddox back in September 2004.
You have taken less money so the team could sign others, tolerated the likes of Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell, and you played hurt at least 70 percent of the time. When we think about how old we were 18 years ago it tells us a story about our own lives. Hell, some of us named our sons after you.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Those in Black and Gold
