Roethlisberger Entering Rarified Air.

Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger is poised to become part of an elite fraternity of all time great quarterbacks.  He already has two Super Bowl titles under his belt and with a win one week from today he will become the fifth quarterback to win three Super Bowls.  Three of the other four are hall of famers, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, and Troy Aikman the other is Tom Brady.

Roethlisberger won his first Super Bowl as game manager whose primary responsibility was not to lose the game.  In his second attempt he was the leader of the team and was integral in stretching defenses and creating opportunities on offense.  He started this season on a four game suspension but has played well throughout and has been integral in getting his team back to the Super Bowl.

The others Quarterbacks to have achieved this distinguished feat have had their careers defined by winning Super Bowls.  Terry Bradshaw helped create the Steelers dynasty of the 70’s.  He has never been known as exemplary passer or renowned for his field general skills but he brought home hardware and that made him worthy of induction in Canton.

Joe Montana is also remembered for his outstanding postseason performances but no one  has ever doubted his ability to play the position better than anyone who came before him.  Montana was crucial in creating the west coast offense that would almost redefine what teams looked for in a quarterback, valuing accuracy over incredible arm strength.

 Aikman was a tough leader who managed one of the most dynamic teams of modern era but never is considered an all time great he is defined by winning and like Bradshaw was inducted in Canton because of his team’s success.

Roethlisberger can at the least cement his status as one of a few players to win three super Bowls as a quarterback.  If he can proves he is a dynamic passer later in his career then he could become an all time great by winning number three.  It is almost certain his sketchy offseason behavior will be forgotten (until another incident pops up) and throughout the offseason the four letter network will discuss where he ranks among the all time elites.   A victory for Roethlisberger means more than a third ring it earns him a legacy matched by a few of the games greatest.