The Pittsburgh Steelers won two Super Bowls with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. One of those Super Bowls featured a game-winning throw to wide receiver Santonio Holmes, widely regarded as one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history. Holmes’ incredible toe-tap catch in the back corner of the end zone secured the Steelers’ 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. The play remains a defining moment in Steelers lore and a cherished memory for fans.
Recently, Roethlisberger appeared on Steven Wheatcroft’s podcast, The Uncomfortable Chat, to discuss life after football and was asked about his favorite play. Unsurprisingly, he mentioned the iconic throw to Holmes. However, Roethlisberger surprised listeners by admitting he thought the play was a risky decision at the time and was shocked it worked so perfectly.
Roethlisberger explained that while the throw turned out to be one of the most celebrated in NFL history, he believed it wasn’t the smartest move strategically. Still, the combination of his pinpoint throw and Holmes’ remarkable catch created a moment that will forever be etched in Super Bowl history. For Steeler Nation, it’s a play that perfectly embodies the team’s championship legacy.
"You know it’s funny because you know you say when the ball comes off your hand you know it's perfect," Roethlisberger said. "That throw when it came off my hand I thought it was intercepted."
When Roethlisberger released the ball, he was certain it would be intercepted, costing the Steelers the Super Bowl.
He admitted that the possibility of kicking a field goal to tie the game hadn’t even crossed his mind.
"If I was smarter I would never make that throw because that's a dumb play," Roethlisberger said. "You almost threw a pick to lose the game when all you need is a smart throw like keep yourself in field goal position to tie it. Don’t take that risk."
The Steelers trailed 23-20 with just under three minutes left, needing a score to tie or potentially win the game. Roethlisberger admitted he’d love to talk to a sports psychologist about his mindset in that moment.
For better or worse, his focus was solely on scoring a touchdown, no matter the risk. While he was willing to gamble then, he reflected that in hindsight, he might have made a safer decision.
"In my mind, it was like I see it, I am making it happen," Roethlisberger said. "Now it may have come off my hand and been a little scary, but it ended up working out."
Fortunately for Steelers fans and Roethlisberger, the throw and catch were nothing short of extraordinary, cementing their place as one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history.
Hearing Roethlisberger share his perspective on that iconic moment years later is a special treat for Steeler Nation. The play perfectly encapsulates Roethlisberger’s legendary career in Pittsburgh.
Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Was Fearless
Roethlisberger was a quarterback known for taking bold risks, often delivering extraordinary results. While those risks sometimes came with potential for failure, they also brought unforgettable moments like the Holmes touchdown.
Unlike the current Steelers offense, which tends to play it safe, Roethlisberger operated with a fearless mindset. On any given play, he was just as likely to throw a game-changing touchdown as he was to risk an interception.
What set Roethlisberger apart was his incredible talent and ability to calculate those risks effectively. More often than not, his daring plays paid off, and when they didn’t, his arm strength and skill could make up for any mistakes. That fearlessness and talent defined his career and left an indelible mark on Steelers history.
