Roethlisberger signs rich, long-term deal

PITTSBURGH, March 3 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has signed an eight-year contract extension with the Steelers, reportedly giving him the richest deal in team history.

The Steelers announced Monday that Roethlisberger signed an extension through the 2015 season. While the team didn't give financial details, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported the contract is worth a total of $102 million with $36 million guaranteed.

"I am really happy to know that I will be wearing a Steelers uniform for the foreseeable future because my intention all along was to stay in Pittsburgh," said Roethlisberger, who turned 26 Sunday. "We have the greatest organization and fan support in the NFL and I'm looking forward to winning more Super Bowl titles that we can celebrate together."

Roethlisberger became the youngest starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl when he helped Pittsburgh take the Super Bowl XL title in his second year in the league.

Last year he set a Steelers record with 32 touchdown passes. He was voted to his first Pro Bowl after the season in which he passed for 3,154 yards and had a passing rating of 104.1. In four seasons, Roethlisberger has completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 11,673 yards and 84 touchdowns.