If you walk into a certain suburban Pittsburgh high school stadium on a Friday night, you might see a massive, familiar figure standing on the sidelines. He isn't wearing the black and gold No. 7 jersey anymore. Instead, he’s probably wearing a headset and a fleece, holding a clipboard, and looking intensely at a group of teenagers.
That’s Ben Roethlisberger.
For nearly two decades, "Big Ben" was the sun that the Pittsburgh Steelers' universe orbited around. When he retired in early 2022, fans wondered if he’d disappear into the woods of North Carolina or become the next big network analyst. Honestly? He’s done a little bit of both, but in a way that feels a lot more personal than anyone expected.
What is Ben Roethlisberger doing now in 2026?
It’s been four years since that emotional victory lap at Heinz Field, and the question of what is Ben Roethlisberger doing now has a multi-layered answer. He hasn't gone "Hollywood" like some of his peers. You won't find him on a permanent Fox NFL Sunday desk—at least not yet.
Instead, he’s leaned hard into his role as a local dad, a podcaster, and a sort of "shadow consultant" for the only NFL team he ever knew.
The "Uber Driver" Life
In a recent appearance on the ManningCast in January 2026, Ben joked with Peyton and Eli that his primary occupation these days is "Uber driver." He wasn't entirely kidding. Roethlisberger has been very vocal about the fact that he missed a lot of his kids' early milestones during his 18-season grind.
He’s currently raising three kids—Benjamin Jr. (13), Baylee (11), and Bodie (9). He spends his mornings packing lunches and his afternoons shuttling them to basketball, soccer, and baseball games. He’s that dad in the bleachers who just happens to be a future First Ballot Hall of Famer.
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Footbahlin’ With Ben Roethlisberger
If you want to know what Ben is really thinking, you have to listen to his podcast, Footbahlin’. It’s a low-key, conversational show he started with his friend Spencer T’eo.
The format is basically this: they sit in Ben’s basement or "man cave," crack open a few craft beers (Ben is surprisingly into high-end IPAs), and talk about whatever is happening in the NFL. It’s become a mandatory listen for Steelers fans because Ben doesn't hold back. He’s criticized the team's offensive play-calling, praised young players, and even shared "old man" stories about the locker room.
As of January 2026, the podcast is still going strong, often ranking in the top tier of sports podcasts. It’s where he recently addressed the bombshell news of Mike Tomlin stepping down from the Steelers.
The Big Coaching Question: Is He Returning to the Sidelines?
This is where the rumors get spicy. Every time a high school or college job opens up in Western Pennsylvania, people ask: is this it? Is Ben coming back?
High School Assistant
In late 2023, Ben took a role as an assistant coach for a local youth/middle school team and eventually did some work with Quaker Valley High School. He’s kept it local and low-stakes. He’s mentioned that the "grind" of NFL coaching—the 4:00 AM arrivals and the sleeping in the office—is the last thing he wants right now.
Consulting for the Steelers?
With Mike Tomlin’s departure in early 2026, the Steelers are in a position they haven't been in for 20 years: they need a head coach.
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Ben recently mentioned on Footbahlin’ that while he has "zero interest" in being a head coach or even an offensive coordinator right now, he is "open to consulting" for Art Rooney II. He knows the "Steelers Way" better than almost anyone alive. He’s already been vocal about the team needing to move toward a more "offensive-minded" head coach to keep up with the modern NFL.
"I love the Steelers organization, 18 years there, but coaching? That’s too tough. I’d love to get involved at some point down the road maybe within the organization." — Ben Roethlisberger on the ManningCast (Jan 2026).
Health, Faith, and Personal Growth
You can't talk about what Ben is doing now without mentioning how much he’s changed. The Ben Roethlisberger of 2026 is a far cry from the "Big Ben" of the mid-2000s who made headlines for the wrong reasons.
He has become very public about his Christian faith. He’s a regular speaker at events like ManUp Pittsburgh, an annual conference focused on godly leadership and fatherhood. He’s spoken openly about past struggles with "addiction" to fame and personal mistakes, framing his retirement as a period of "re-dedication."
Physically, he looks... lighter? Gone is the "heavy-set quarterback" frame. He’s lost a significant amount of weight since retiring, largely because he’s no longer trying to absorb hits from 300-pound defensive ends. He plays a lot of golf. Like, a lot of golf. He’s often spotted at local courses around the Allegheny County area.
Business and Net Worth
Even though he's not taking a paycheck from the NFL anymore, Ben is doing just fine. His career earnings were over $267 million, and his current net worth is estimated to be around $100 million to $150 million.
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- Real Estate: He’s been active in the Pittsburgh real estate market, recently selling one of his massive properties in Clinton for a reported multi-million dollar sum.
- Investments: He’s moved into the tech space, investing in a medical device company called NeoLight.
- Big Ben's BBQ: Yes, he still has his line of barbecue sauces. It’s a staple in Pittsburgh grocery stores.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Retirement
There’s a common misconception that Ben is "bitter" about how things ended or that he’s desperate to play again.
In late 2022, there were rumors the San Francisco 49ers reached out to him after they lost their quarterbacks to injury. Ben confirmed they called, but he turned them down. He’s done. His arm is fine, but his knees and his desire to be away from his family are "zero," as he puts it.
He’s genuinely content being a "Steelers legend" who occasionally shows up for a "Hall of Honor" ceremony and then goes back to his quiet life. He’s not chasing the spotlight; the spotlight just happens to follow him because of the 18 years of history he built in Pittsburgh.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re a fan trying to keep up with No. 7, here is the best way to do it:
- Subscribe to Channel Seven on YouTube: This is where the Footbahlin’ podcast lives. It’s the only place you’ll get his unfiltered thoughts on the current NFL landscape.
- Look for him on the ManningCast: He’s become a semi-regular guest during Steelers games or big AFC North matchups.
- Check out the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation: He still does a ton of work for police and fire departments, specifically focused on service dogs (K-9 units). It’s a cause he’s been passionate about for over a decade.
Ben Roethlisberger’s "now" isn't about Super Bowls or 500-yard passing games. It’s about being a dad, a golfer, and a voice for a city that still treats him like royalty. Whether he eventually joins the Steelers front office or stays in his basement with a craft beer and a microphone, he’s clearly found the peace that many athletes struggle to find after the cheering stops.