Cowher Says Roethlisberger is Maturing

The “Chin” former Steelers coach Bill Cowher is speaking out on his former QB Ben Roethlisberger, saying that he thinks the QB who has been in trouble this offseason is maturing:

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. In an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, 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.