Super Bowl 2011: Ben Roethlisberger's Gutty Performance Improved His Image

Ben Roethlisberger had a lot of ups and downs before and through the 2010-11 season. After the bad publicity that Roethlisberger caused himself and the organization, there was a lot of speculation on how the Steelers would respond. The NFL responded by slapping a six-game suspension on Roethlisberger.

The Steelers wanted out of their relationship with Roethlisberger too. The organization made an example out of Santonio Holmes after his run-ins with the law. The Steelers traded away the problem then, showing that they would not tolerate poor behavior.

Then Roethlisberger had his run-ins with the law. Reportedly, the Steelers organization was looking to make any trade or possibly even cut him. But being cleared of the charges turned out to be Ben's saving grace. The Steelers stuck with him (or were stuck with him, however you choose to look at it).

It did not turn out too badly for the Steelers. After serving his suspension (dropped down to four games for good behavior), Ben returned to the field. He helped lead the Steelers to their eighth Super Bowl berth, looking to win the franchise's seventh title.

It looked like Roethlisberger might accomplish this. Green Bay came hard early in the game. The Steelers didn't go down easily though. They came back from a big deficit versus the Baltimore Ravens on the road to the Super Bowl, and it looked like they might be able to do it again.

Unfortunately, turnovers turned out to be the downfall of the Steelers.

Despite the interceptions, Roethlisberger played a good game. Did he play well enough to repair his reputation? It's hard to say. As far as the fans are concerned, it's 50-50; some people have completely lost respect for him and some have forgiven him because he's tried to get back on the right track. The Steelers faithful seem to have forgiven and forgotten and the Steelers organization seems to as well.

Last offseason, the Steelers couldn't find a partner to trade Roethlisberger too. After his 2010-11 season performance, there would be plenty of interest.

Would the Steelers still want to trade him? Not after that performance. After all, they want a quarterback who can deliver championships, and Roethlisberger has helped give them two already. Even though the Steelers didn't win last night, Ben won't be going anywhere.

Well, as long as he stays out of nightclubs.