Super Bowl 2011 and Its Impact on Ben Roethlisberger's Legacy

Ben Roethlisberger is only 28 years old, yet he has a chance to win his third SuperBowl ring against the Green Bay Packers this coming Sunday.

If the Steelers do take home the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday, then Roethlisberger will join an exclusive group of three-time Super Bowl winning signal callers that includes names such as Tom Brady, Troy Aikman, Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw.

A solid performance on Sunday would also help put to rest any lingering memories of Ben’s subpar SuperBowl XL performance against the Seahawks in 2005 when the quarterback went 9/21 for 123 yards and two interceptions. Ben performed better in the Steelers more recent '09 victory against Arizona, throwing for 253 passing yards and one epic touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes in the clutch.

My point is that Roethlisberger hasn’t put together a truly great Super Bowl performance yet and an awesome showing on Sunday against the Packers would do wonders for his already stellar resume.

It won’t be easy though; Tramon Williams and Charles Woodson have game-breaking ability and are adept at playing passing lanes. The Packers will bring pressure up front with players such as B.J. Raji and Clay Mathews in an attempt to force Roethlisberger into making some bad passes. For all the success that Ben has had in his first two trips to the big game, it should be noted that Roethlisberger threw three interceptions and only one touchdown pass in Super Bowl’s 40 and 43.

So while at first glance it may seem silly to think that a loss or win in this year’s Super Bowl could have such a big effect on Ben’s legacy, the fact is that this game could help elevate Roethlisberger’s status to a whole new level.

Players that have won multiple Super Bowls, such as Montana and Bradshaw are enshrined in Canton, and you have to think that if Ben can help lead Pittsburgh to another SB victory on Sunday, it will go a long way towards ensuring his Hall of Fame status.

The casual fan may forget or may not even realize that Ben sat out the first four games of the season with a suspension because of his alleged sexual indiscretions. The fact that in two days he will be competing in his third Super Bowl is something no one would’ve predicted five months ago. His performance on Sunday could cap off a season in which Roethlisberger goes from chump to champ.

Storylines are always going to be plentiful during the week of the SuperBowl and this is yet another side story to keep an eye on. Yes, Ben Roethlisberger has already won two more Super Bowls than most quarterbacks win in their professional careers. A third Super Bowl victory for “Big Ben” on Sunday, though, would put him in truly elite category and place him next to select few Hall of Fame quarterbacks. Sunday also serves as a chance for Ben to cure his past Super Bowl woes and put on a memorable performance that will stick with him throughout the years.

In sports, we are constantly talking about legacy and no one’s remembrance will be affected more by this Super Bowl than Ben Roethlisberger’s legacy. Ultimately every player's dream is to someday earn a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio and a win on Sunday would bring Ben one step closer to realizing that dream.