Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger apologized to the Pittsburgh Steelers, fans and his family on Thursday, saying he was fortunate to be alive and promising to wear a helmet if he ever again rides a motorcycle.
"In the past few days, I've gained a new perspective on life," the Super Bowl-winning quarterback said in a statement released by the team. "By the grace of God, I'm fortunate to be alive."
Roethlisberger, who wrecked his bike and cracked his head on a car windshield on Monday, was discharged from hospital on Wednesday.
The youngest quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl was not wearing a helmet when he crashed into a car at an intersection.
He said in the statement that if he ever rides a motorcycle again "it certainly will be with a helmet."
Doctors said he had no brain injuries but a mild concussion. Doctors used small titanium plates and screws to reassemble Roethlisberger's broken jaws and repaired other broken facial bones. He also lost two teeth and chipped several others, doctors said.
In the statement, Roethlisberger said that he realizes he has a responsibility to safeguard his health in the offseason so he can continue to lead the NFL team.
RSS