Ben signed, sealed, and delivered...$102 Million Extension

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 03-03-2008, 10:07 AM

Just got the text from KDKA...

Big Ben Signs $102 Million Extension With Steelers

http://kdka.com/local/Ben.Roethlisbe....2.667707.html

Bob Pompeani

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― KDKA's Bob Pompeani has learned that the Steelers have signed quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to a six-year extension worth $102 million.

That means Big Ben will be with the team at least eight more years because he has two years left on his previous deal.

Roethlisberger gets a $25 million signing bonus and an additional $11 million guarantee for a total of $36 in guaranteed money.

The new Big Ben deal will make him, by far, the highest paid player in franchise history.

The $102 million figure is double that of the previous highest Steelers deal according to Pompeani.

The new deal will be announced later today.

Roethlisberger has a terrific four year resume and last year proved that the previous season was an aberration.

He has emerged as a top tier quarterback and will now be paid accordingly.

Pompeani also reports that when he spoke with Art Rooney II and Kevin Colbert last month, they both indicated that signing Roethlisberger was their No. 1 off-season priority.

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Updated***

Video press conference link

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08063/862152-66.stm

**Iron City South** · 03-03-2008, 10:08 AM

Money well spent ....

Big Ben reportedly gets 8-year extension
Steelers quarterback will be paid $102 million — $36 million guaranteed
SportsTicker
updated 9:28 a.m. ET, Mon., March. 3, 2008

Ben Roethlisberger will apparently be staying with the Pittsburgh Steelers for a long time to come.

ESPN.com reported Monday that the Pro Bowl quarterback has agreed an eight-year contract worth $102 million, a deal that would make Roethlisberger one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL.

According to the ESPN report, the contract includes more than $36 million in guaranteed money. The Indianapolis Colts gave Peyton Manning a $34.5 million signing bonus and the Atlanta Falcons gave Michael Vick $37 million in guarantees in deals signed in 2004.

An official announcement of the deal could come later Monday.

Roethlisberger turned 26 on Sunday. In 2007, he made the Pro Bowl after completing 264-of-404 passes for 3,154 yards with 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Roethlisberger also rushed for two touchdowns.

He finished the season with a 104.1 quarterback rating while leading the Steelers to an AFC North title.

Two years ago, Roethlisberger became the youngest quarterback to win the Super Bowl in NFL history, aged 23.

However, his 2006 season was marred by injury, including the after-effects of an offseason motorcycle accident in which Roethlisberger was not wearing a helmet.

© 2008 PA SportsTicker
URL: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23446755/

**DBR96A** · 03-03-2008, 10:19 AM

After enduring Neil O'Donnell, Mike Tomczak, Kordell Stewart, Kent Graham and Tommy Maddox at QB through the first 11 years that I followed the team, it's about time we found a good QB and kept him!

I think I'll wear my ROETHLISBERGER #7 jersey to class today!

**NOVA STEELERS** · 03-03-2008, 10:21 AM

AWESOME NEWS

**steelersgal86** · 03-03-2008, 10:24 AM

Glad to hear it!!!!

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 03-03-2008, 10:28 AM

I never thought I'd see the day when a Steeler player would sign a 100+ million dollar contract but the Rooneys came through and I'm sure made this as cap friendly as you can make a deal like this.

**steelcitysfinestXL** · 03-03-2008, 10:28 AM

A lone tear runs down my cheek after reading this post!!!! LOL, congrats to Big Ben... NOW EARN IT!!!!!

**BlacknGold Bleeder** · 03-03-2008, 10:37 AM

WOOO HOOOO !!

**black an gold 4 life** · 03-03-2008, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by steelcitysfinestXL

A lone tear runs down my cheek after reading this post!!!! LOL, congrats to Big Ben... NOW EARN IT!!!!!

i'm with u on this one, that's 2 much money an i don't believe he's worth it

**steelcitysfinestXL** · 03-03-2008, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by black an gold 4 life

i'm with u on this one, that's 2 much money an i don't believe he's worth it

Well my tear was a tear of Joy... although i hate the thought of the steelers paying ANYONE this much money, in todays market he is worth every penny of that 102 million!!!! They couldnt pay him much less and expect this deal to get done!!!!