Eyewitnesses: Roethlisberger Looked Totally Free and Super Cool While Rocketing Through The Air

Eyewitness reports from the scene of yesterday’s near-tragic motorcycle accident involving Pittsburgh Steeler Ben Roethlisberger describe the quaterback as appearing completely uninhibited and supremely badass despite being abruptly and violently launched skyward, just as one would expect from a man free from the soul-crushing burden of having to wear a constrictive, unfashionable helmet.

The accident -- in which Roethlisberger’s motorcycle slammed into a turning vehicle, catapulting the quarterback first into the windshield, then headfirst into the asphalt -- left the Steeler singal caller in serious but stable condition after undergoing seven hours of emergency surgery to repair facial fractures and a nine-inch laceration on the back of his head, as well as a broken nose, jaw, and sinus cavity.

As the crash occurred in broad daylight in the middle of downtown Pittsburgh, there was no shortage of witnesses, all of whom were eager to recount their brush with the Steel City’s favorite son.

“You should have seen him,” gushed Larry O’Donnell, a local carpenter and life-long Steelers fan. “Six-foot-six, built like an ox, wind whipping through his unfettered hair as he cruised through town...the man just oozes cool. When he gets out, I’m going to see if he’ll autograph this bag of his teeth I gathered off the sidewalk. That dude is a fucking stallion.”

The accident carries with it an eerie sidebar, as Roethlisberger made national news during his rookie season when word of his refusal to don a helmet became public. In an interview with ESPN’s Andrea Kramer, Roethlisberger explained that riding a motorcycle sans helmet provides a measure of relaxation and a rare sense of freedom in his otherwise hectic world. According to those who witnessed yesterday's events, it was clear that Roethlisberger was doing what he loved most.

“That’s Big Ben for you,” explained James Hummel, a local custodian who stuck around to help clean the large pool of blood that marked Roethlisberger's eventual landing spot. "He's his own man, and when he's free to do his thing, nothing rattles him. 13-0 as a rookie. Youngest QB to ever win a Super Bowl. Even when that car pulled in front of him, he looked calm, real peaceful like. I'll tell you, until his face shattered that windshield, you would have thought he was just taking a nap.”