The Ben Roethlisberger Effect: Does He Help Other Steelers Get Into The HoF?

With the season approaching rapidly, I decided to add onto the "Ben Roethlisberger Should Be In the HoF" articles. Instead of looking just at Roethlisberger, lets look at a couple individuals who Ben, himself, could put into the Hall of Fame.

Guaranteed Hall of Famers

Hines Ward—When Ben stepped in, he gave the offense and receiving core a boost. Without him, I do not believe Ward's statistics would be close to what they are now. I don't think Ward would have gotten to the Super Bowl and received his MVP award without the help of Ben Roethlisberger. With Ben, Hines Ward is going in.

Bill Cowher— Bill Cowher was once known as "The coach who couldn't win the big one." When he drafted Roethlisberger, Cowher took a chance on a quarterback from a small school. Luckily for Cowher, it paid off. Roethlisberger was able to take Cowher to his first, and only, championship. Without the Super Bowl victory on his resume, he may not be a candidate for the Hall.

Possible Hall of Famers

Troy Polamalu—It is hard to get into the Hall if you are a safety. The two Super Bowl rings certainly help Polamalu's case. Fast-forwarding to the end of his career; without those two Super Bowl rings, he probably doesn't make it. Troy can thank Ben for leading them to one Super Bowl and leading the game-winning drive in another.

Santonio Holmes—It is very early in his career, but with Ben throwing Holmes the ball, anything is possible. This is probably the year that Holmes becomes Ben's go-to-guy. With a couple of good seasons and a couple of Pro Bowl selections, Holmes could become another possible Hall of Famer.

Mike Tomlin—Tomlin just won his first Super Bowl and has a record of 22-10. If Ben can keep up his playing level, he may take Mike Tomlin to the Hall of Fame with him. Mike Tomlin is a great coach who will keep his team in line as they keep him on the path to Canton.