Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has only spent one season utilizing a primary tight end other than Heath Miller. Roethlisberger was the team’s first-round pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, becoming a starter by the third game of that season due to injury. Miller was selected in the first round of the following year, and became an instant contributor.
The veteran tight end’s retirement this offseason obviously serves as a momentous change in Roethlisberger’s service as the Steelers’ quarterback, having spent 11 seasons throwing Miller the ball and counting on him to provide insurance as part of the team’s pass protection when necessary.