Fans speculate a relationship between retired American gymnast John Roethlisberger and former NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger due to their similar surname.
John and Ben have carved their names in sports history, but have no familial connection.
John won three NCAA all-around titles and four Big Ten Conference all-around titles while attending the University of Minnesota.
Likewise, he won the Nissen Award and was named the winner of the NCAA Top-six Award in 1993.
John represented the United States three times at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, and the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
On the other hand, Ben started his athletic career as a wide receiver for Denison University.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him 11th overall during the 2004 NFL draft. He played 18 seasons and earned the 2004 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
Similarly, he became the youngest Super Bowl-winning quarterback at 23 in 2006 and was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2007.
John Roethlisberger And Ben Roethlisberger Aren’t Blood Related
John Roethlisberger and Ben Roethlisberger have accomplished in their respective fields, but left fans wondering if they share more than just a last name.
Although their paths may have crossed in athletic achievement, their family relationship remain distinct. They have an age difference of 12 years.
55-year-old John Roethlisberger was born in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, on June 21, 1970.
His father, Fred Roethlisberger, was a member of the 1968 U.S. Olympic gymnastics team, and his sister, Marie Roethlisberger, was an alternate on the 1984 U.S. Olympic gymnastics team.
Similarly, his grandparents were also gymnasts.
John married Meaghan Roethlisberger in 2011, and they have three children. He was previously married to Kelly McConnel on June 7, 1997.
Easter Throwback, 2018 ✝️:
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) April 20, 2025
Things were really hopping at the Roethlisberger house on that #Easter Sunday morning before church. 🐰 🐣#HappyEaster, Steelers Nation! pic.twitter.com/9mbnfWkE5K
On the other hand, 43-year-old Ben Roethlisberger was born in Lima, Ohio, on March 2, 1982.
Ben, the son of Ida Jane and Kenneth Todd Roethlisberger, grew up with his younger sister Carlee Roethlisberger. She played basketball for the University of Oklahoma.
His father, of Swiss descent, was a former pitcher and quarterback at Georgia Tech.
Ben married Ashley Harlan on July 23, 2011, and they have three children: Ben Jr., Baylee, and Bodie. Ashley is a physician assistant from New Castle, Pennsylvania.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Roethlisberger is a surname of Swiss origin, and its roots are in Geissbühl, a farming hamlet in the municipality of Lauperswil, Switzerland.
- John is a four-time U.S. National all-around champion and U.S. National pommel horse champion.
- Ben was one of the most prolific passers in NFL history, ranking 5th all-time in NFL career passing yards.
