Introduction
When it comes to the NFL, the salary of players is often a topic of great interest. One such player is Ben Roethlisberger, who has been a key figure in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense for many years. In this article, we will delve into the money earned by Ben Roethlisberger per game throughout his career, providing a comprehensive look at his earnings from various angles.
Initial Contract and Salary Structure
Ben Roethlisberger was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. His initial contract was a six-year deal worth $51.25 million, which included a signing bonus of $11.6 million. This contract made him one of the highest-paid rookies in NFL history at the time.
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Contract Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | $5.5 million | $11.6 million | $51.25 million |
| 2005 | $5.5 million | $11.6 million | $51.25 million |
| 2006 | $5.5 million | $11.6 million | $51.25 million |
| 2007 | $5.5 million | $11.6 million | $51.25 million |
| 2008 | $5.5 million | $11.6 million | $51.25 million |
Salary Cap and Performance Bonuses
As a result of the salary cap system in the NFL, Ben Roethlisberger’s salary has fluctuated throughout his career. In addition to his base salary, he has earned performance bonuses based on various criteria, such as passing yards, touchdowns, and quarterback ratings. These bonuses have significantly contributed to his total earnings per game.
| Year | Base Salary | Performance Bonuses | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | $5.5 million | $1.5 million | $7 million |
| 2005 | $5.5 million | $2 million | $7.5 million |
| 2006 | $5.5 million | $2.5 million | $8 million |
| 2007 | $5.5 million | $3 million | $8.5 million |
| 2008 | $5.5 million | $3.5 million | $9 million |
Contract Extensions and Roster Bonuses
In 2008, Ben Roethlisberger signed a contract extension with the Steelers, which increased his salary significantly. The new deal was a five-year extension worth $102 million, with a signing bonus of $11.6 million. This extension included a $12 million roster bonus, which was paid out over the first two years of the contract.
| Year | Base Salary | Roster Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|
