Big Ben Getting Big Bucks

Steelers guarantee $36 million to franchise QB
By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 3, 2008 10:46 PM CST
Big Ben Getting Big Bucks
Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger signed an eight year contract extension in Pittsburgh, Monday, March 3, 2008. The deal is worth $102 million, more than $36 million of it guaranteed, making Roethlisberger one of the NFL's highest players. (AP Photo/Don Wright)   (Associated Press)

The Pittsburgh Steelers broke the bank - something they don't normally do with player contracts - signing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger today to a $102 million deal that spans eight years. The thrifty franchise, notorious for letting big-name players leave as free agents and reloading through the draft, guaranteed its biggest name $36 million, reports ESPN. Big Ben turned 26 Sunday.

Roethlisberger made the Pro Bowl last season after a tumultuous 2006 in which he was hampered by an appendectomy and injuries from an off-season motorcycle accident. "This is about being a Pittsburgh Steeler for as long as I can be. I love Pittsburgh," said the youngest Super-Bowl-winning QB in history. The Steelers have made the postseason in three of his four seasons. (More football stories.)

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