Ben Roethlisberger: 'I wasn't a good teammate early in my career'

The unquestioned leader of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger is likely the first name that comes to mind when thinking of the modern-day iteration of the club.

Roethlisberger commandeered the Steelers to three Super Bowl appearances, two Super Bowl victories, and seven playoff appearances through his 11-year career.

The three-time Pro Bowler engenders the respect of the entire locker room, but that likely wasn't always the case if you ask Roethlisberger.

"I'd be the first to admit I wasn't a good teammate early in my career," Roethlisberger said in a long-form profile with Bleacher Report's Dan Pompei.

"There are some guys who had animosity towards me, and probably rightfully so. I probably could have helped that by being a humble guy who was the best teammate I could be."

Roethlisberger was infamously suspended four games to begin the 2010 season due to a violation of the league's personal conduct policy. The Steelers quarterback was accused of but never charged with sexual assault.

After the 2010 suspension, Roethlisberger embodied the Steelers ethos and is rightfully the face of the franchise after Troy Polamalu retired.

"With time, you understand you can't keep being a selfish player or person," Roethlisberger said. "It's the ultimate team sport, and in order to be successful, you have to be selfless. Just like being a successful father, you have to be selfless."

Coming off the best statistical campaign of his career, Roethlisberger is looking to steer the Steelers towards another deep playoff run. Admitting his shortcomings makes Roethlisberger eminently human, and the 33-year-old can comfortably put the past behind him.