Quarterback Gains Popularity with Fans
By Olivia Miller
Before football became one of the world’s most popular sports, a football team’s quarterback hardly received any acknowledgment. Their presence on the field was not even necessary way back when the game was less intense. Among all of the quarterbacks in the NFL, Ben Roethlisberger received the title of the 41st greatest player of all time.
The first game of football took place in 1875, when two college teams, Harvard and Yale, played. The quarterbacks of both teams hardly contributed, but called the plays, and were basically being the second coach. The quarterbacks were expected to be great motivators for the players and were supposed to help them achieve the win, verbally not physically. “I wasn’t around when the quarterbacks weren’t popular, but I’m sure the game was a lot different to watch without the quarterback playing,” said Barry Miller. Since then, things have changed.
As time went on, the quarterback began to start having more playing time during each game. The coaches realized the importance of this position, because without him there would not be anyone to call the plays in the huddle or to start the plays. Sometimes, the quarterback had it harder than other players after the loss of a big game. Often, the quarterback receives the blame mistakes made during the game because before each play started, the quarterback called a play. If that play failed, most fans would get mad at the quarterback for calling that play. “When I watch football, the quarterback is who I blame when a play goes wrong,” said junior Lexi Miller. Some quarterbacks were better than others, however. |
The Steelers drafted Ben Roethlisberger as the quarterback in 2004. The Steelers, the preferred team of Pittsburgh, have won two Super Bowls since Ben became the quarterback. “The Steelers are the preferred football team in Pittsburgh because that is where their home stadium is and the city supports their team,” said sophomore Kelson Pizzuti.
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Roethlisberger was and still is nationally known as one of
the best quarterbacks of all time. He obtained a total of 22, 205 passing yards
since he first started in the NFL. Outside of the game, several people disliked
him for the person he was when not on the field. “I like him as a quarterback
cause he’s good but dislike him as a person because he’s not a good guy,” said
freshman Stephanie Luniewski. Because of the quarterback, the game of football
changed dramatically and became more exciting than ever.
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