I don’t know how many of you listen to podcasts about the performance horse industry, but if you follow “Along for the Ride with Andrea Fappani” you heard a surprise guest on one of his latest episodes, Ben Roethlisberger.
Fappani, who was born in Italy, is one of the world’s leading horse trainers and his podcast usually covers horse-related topics.
But after talking about his horse riding history, Roethlisberger revealed that he really thought about whether or not he would come back after learning of center Maurkice Pouncey’s retirement.
“I was debating on whether I was going to come back this year, and once he retired, I was like I don't know if I want to play without him. I still have a love for it and gas left in the tank, so I want to give it another shot. It's not going to be the same without him. That is one of the biggest killers going into this year, not having that guy with me because he is the best."
Roethlisberger called Pouncey, “probably the greatest teammate I ever played with. I think he is the best that has ever played the position.”
Ben also talked about his horse riding career. He says his biological mother, who died when he was 8, got him into horse riding as a kid.
He says it was 30 years later when he rode on a horse again on a fishing trip with former teammate Brett Keisel on the former defensive end’s property.
Roethlisberger will return to the Steelers for an 18h season after signing a reduced deal to free up some cap space.
Thanks to the Steelers’ Teresa Varley for bring the podcast to our attention.
You can listen to the fascinating conversation here.