Super Bowl XLV: Ben Roethlisberger's Top 5 Career Moments

Pittsburgh Steeler's quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has become a controversial figure, but his personal dramas cannot take away from his incredible ability on the football field. Big Ben has an incredible winning percentage (particularly in the playoffs) and may be one of the greatest quarterbacks playing today, certainly in clutch situations.

5. Steelers vs. Jets: 2010 AFC Championship Game

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers calls signals out at the line of scrimmage against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsyl

This may be a surprise to most reading this list, but to be honest, how many people wrote off the Steelers before they were even slated to face the Jets?

Big Ben is nothing if not a clutch player, and he proved that once again by saving the best pass for the final moments of the game. He managed to hold off the Jets, who were on the cusp of one of the most remarkable comebacks in playoffs history. In doing so he gave himself the chance to play for his third Super Bowl ring. Sounds like a key moment in the man's career.

While he hasn't has the best playoffs run of his career, Roethlisberger has proved once again that when it matters he can pull of a spectacular performance.

4. Steelers vs. Colts: 2005 AFC Divisional Round

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PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers smiles broadly during the first half against the New York Jets in an AFC divisional game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2005 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Andy

There is nothing better than destroying a teams hope of getting to the Super Bowl in a single moment, but that is exactly what Big Ben did with a tackle to the Colts in 2005.

The Steelers seemingly had their game sealing play done, with Jerome Bettis running toward the line, all of a sudden the ball is out of his hand, the only man who can stop the linebacker is Big Ben… The rest is history. 

The Colts didn't make the Super Bowl, and the Steelers went on to win the big one for the first time. Look at the grin on Big Ben's face in the photo from 2005. Says it all really. 

3. The Rookie Season

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JACKSONVILLE, FL- FEBRUARY 3: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger poses with the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year award before Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium February 3, 2005 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Image

When Ben Roethlisberger was drafted in 2004, as the eleventh pick, he wasn't even expected to play in his rookie season.

But when starting quarterback Tommy Maddox went down with an injury Roethlisberger was given the opportunity to shine. And he took that opportunity to the limit. 

As a rookie starting quarterback Roethlisberger went 13-0 in the regular season and 14-1 including the playoffs, taking the record of best start by a rookie as well as beating the mark for total wins as a rookie. In the process he was unanimously voted Offensive Rookie of the Year, making him the first quarterback in 34 years to do so.

2. Super Bowl XL

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Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers during Super Bowl XL between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on February 5, 2006. (Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images)

This is Big Ben's first ever Super Bowl victory, and as they say, the first is always the sweetest. 

It wasn't Roethlisberger's best performance either, though he ended the game with two interceptions and 9/21 completions/attempts - leading the Steelers to the sweetest of all victories, and Big Ben's first ring.

Arguably, this is the moment that cemented Ben Roethlisberger forever as a hero in the hearts of Pittsburgh Steelers fans.

1. Super Bowl XLIII

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TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers awaits the snap in the shotgun formation behind (top to bottom) Willie Colon #74, Darnell Stapleton #72, Justin Hartwig #62, Chris Kemoeatu #68, Max Starks #78 and Heat

Steelers fans would probably say this was the greatest catch of Super Bowl, if not NFL, history. And it is hard to mount an argument against them. 

The Steelers needed 88 yards to win, with a little over two minutes, on a win ball after a holding penalty, it was all up to Roethlisberger to create a Hollywood worth Super Bowl moment. And he somehow did, throwing the ball to Santonio Holmes, past the hands of three defenders. An unbelievable moment, that proves you can never write of a team when Big Ben is at the helm.

Let's hope that there will be another addition to this slide show soon...