Ben Roethlisberger made it official. He's retiring from the NFL after 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In a two minute video which went back to his college days at Miami of Ohio, Big Ben thanked everyone who had a part in his development.

"A boy with NFL dreams developed in Oxford, at Miami University , and blessed with the honor of 18 seasons as a Pittsburgh Steelers and a place to call home, " Roethlisberger narrated in his announcement.

The video shows Roethlisberger open his couch with his wife and children with him.

"Now the time has come for me to clean out my locker, hang up my cleats and continue to be all I could be to my wife and children. I'm retiring from football a truly grateful man."

He thanked the Rooney family and coaches Mike Tomlin and Bill Cowher along with the fans.

" To Steeler nation, the best fans in sports, thank you for accepting and supporting me as your quarterback over the years. Football has been a gift and I thank God for allowing me to play it and surround me with great people and protecting me through the end."