Ben Roethlisberger briefly met with the media after practice Thursday, making a short statement and taking two questions in his first public comments since his return to the Steelers.

Roethlisberger’s statement didn’t appear prepared, and he offered his perspective on re-evaluating his life to a small group of reporters.

“I appreciate you guys, I know you guys have been waiting a long time to talk to me, as I have to you,” Roethlisberger said. “I wanted to let you guys know how great it is to be back on the field. It’s been a long time away, it’s been hard. I put a lot of time and effort into working hard on and off the field while I’ve been gone. It’s not the same. I love football to death. But I think it’s meant more to be out here with my teammates, my brothers, my family, if you will, that’s what has really been neat about getting back out here.

“I’ve put a lot of thought into my life, the decisions I’ve made in the past. I’ve been sitting at home thinking about things. I’ve been working closely with the commissioner about ways to make corrections, changes. So I’m looking forward to the second chance, and the second opportunity. Not just in football — because I think everyone knows what you’re going to get in football — but in life. I think that’s what’s more important.”

Roethlisberger was whisked away after his two questions, but he indicated he’d speak again soon.

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