It took five seasons for Ben Roethlisberger to earn the status as a captain of the Steelers, when he did so in 2008 for the first time in his illustrious 18-year career.
Of course, the starting quarterback is not and does not always need to sport the "C," but those who do have a special place within their respective team's minds. The captains are distinguished as the proactive leaders, the trusted ones to handle the off- and on-field matters in a fluid and professional manner, and the highest representations of their respective franchises throughout a season.