Star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has officially declared his NFL career over.

Cologne (SID) – Star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has officially declared his NFL career over. The 39-year-old, who had played for the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2004 draft, made the announcement on Thursday. “Big Ben” had won the Super Bowl twice with the Steelers and participated in the Pro Bowl six times himself. Even before the team was eliminated from this year’s playoffs, it had become clear that Roethlisberger would retire.

“I don’t even know what words I can use to describe what that game meant to me. It was an honour to play for the Steelers for 18 years and to find a home here,” Roethlisberger said in a clip released by the Steelers, “Now it’s time to step down. I am immensely grateful.”

Roethlisberger ranks eighth on the NFL’s all-time leaderboard with 418 touchdown passes. Superstar Tom Brady (624) leads this ranking.