Cowher: Roethlisberger gets it

Associated Press

NEW YORK

Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher says it was hard to get through to Ben Roethlisberger after the quarterback had so much success early in his career.

Yet Cowher believes the sexual assault investigation that led to a six-game suspension for Roethlisberger was a “slap in the face” that has led to some much-needed maturity.

Cowher described how Roethlisberger used to respond to advice about his off-field behavior. “‘But we’re winning games. We’re winning championships,’” Cowher recounted. “‘What do you mean? Isn’t that what we’re here to do?’”

“Yeah,” Cowher said, “but there’s more to it than that.”

“It’s the whole body of work. It’s you as a person, what kind of legacy you want to leave,” he added. “I really think he understands that now.”

Cowher coached Roethlisberger during the quarterback’s first three seasons — in Year 2, he became the youngest at the position to win a Super Bowl. Roethlisberger picked up another ring under Mike Tomlin after Cowher retired, only to put his stellar career in jeopardy.

Roethlisberger has said Cowher was one of the people he turned to for advice as he tried to get his life back on track, and that the two are now closer than ever before.

“Just like with your children, sometimes when you say things to them: ‘Yeah, right.’ They have all the answers,” Cowher said. “All of a sudden, the older they get: ‘Maybe he’s right about that.’

“I think Ben has had a chance to reflect a lot. I think he’s a good person. While it’s unfortunate, I think it may be an eye-opener to him, kind of a slap in the face.”

Some people mature later than others, Cowher said, and he believes Roethlisberger is a late bloomer.

“There’s no question as a player he’s always been a great player,” Cowher said. “But there’s a lot more to this professionally than that. It’s how you carry yourself off the field. I think he realizes that now. I really think you’re going to see a different person.”