Ben Roethlisberger’s Wife Ashley Harlan and Their Relationship: Interesting Facts

Ben Roethlisberger's wife, Ashley Harlan, has been a staunch supporter of her husband's career. It's been a roller-coaster ride of a marriage, but they're stronger than ever. Here's a look at their relationship.

Ben Roethlisberger gained fame as an NFL quarterback before retiring earlier this year, earning the nickname "Big Ben." Ashley Harlan, his wife, has been at his side during his ascent to success.

Ashley, born on July 24, 1986, is a physician from Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. She quickly rose to fame after tying the knot to the great quarterback on July 23, 2011, and having three children.

BEN ROETHLISBERGER AND WIFE ASHLEY HARLAN'S RELATIONSHIP

Even though Ben received several accolades throughout his football career, the most incredible honor he has ever received is becoming Ashley's husband. He paid tribute to his wife on Twitter on their tenth wedding anniversary. His message read:

"10 years ago, I married the most amazing woman in the world. I am so thankful for her love, support, and her friendship. She has the biggest heart, and anyone that knows her knows this. I love you, Ashley, even more today than I did that day 10 years ago. — Ben."

If it weren't for Ashley's siblings, Ben would never have had the opportunity to meet the woman who would one day become his wife. Ben met Ashley in 2005 through one of her two brothers, who are huge Pittsburgh Steelers fans.

While Ben was at a training camp, one of Ashley's brothers approached him and introduced him to their sister Ashley. The athlete liked what he saw and asked her out on a date.

Ben fell head over heels in love with her. Ashley and the football champ tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Pittsburgh attended by over 500 people.

Instead of taking monetary presents from their guests, the couple requested donations to be made to the Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House, a non-profit organization.

Despite having a well-known husband, Ashley has consciously tried to stay out of the spotlight, even though the media is eager to learn more about her.

Ashley and their children have been sighted frequently whenever Ben and his football team play. Still, she has never posted anything on Twitter or Instagram since she has no social media accounts.

Ashley has allowed Ben the freedom to share updates about their life with his fans on social media. The sportsman is proud of how his life has changed. He also takes pride in being a father to their three children.

BEN ROETHLISBERGER AND ASHLEY HARLAN'S CHILDREN

Ben and Ashley share two sons, Bodie and Benjamin, and one daughter, Baylee. The proud parents welcomed Benjamin in 2012 and Baylee in 2014. They gave birth to their third child, Bodie, in 2016.

Ben's new role as a parent made him more attentive to his family's needs. Because he wanted to be there for Bodie's birth, he opted to forgo a scheduled workout getaway with the Steelers at his lakehouse in Georgia.

Even though he sometimes missed his team's events, he never regretted it because of the fantastic moments he spent with his loved ones. Ben did his best to be there for his kids' important milestones.

Aside from joyful occasions, the couple has endured difficult situations as well.

He tweeted about Benjamin's 8th outdoor-themed birthday party in November 2020 and Brodie's adorable 5th birthday party at home in May 2021, which featured a green turtle-shaped cake.

The doting father also took a trip down memory lane, tweeting in October 2020 an old photo of himself and Ashley with their little children all dressed up during the Rock Steelers Style fashion show in 2016.

Ben also shared an emotional experience with his family at a football game earlier this year. After his team won the match, the NFL shared a video from ESPN that captured Ben hugging Ashley and their children.

ASHLEY ROETHLISBERGER AND THE HARD TIMES

Aside from joyful occasions, the couple has endured difficult situations as well. According to Ashley, the 2019 off-season was one of the "most challenging" times for them in her husband's16-season career.

In the docuseries "Bigger Than Ben," she said they experienced setbacks. She mentioned getting a call from her husband around halftime, which she thought was unusual.

She then learned that Ben got injured and detached tendons in his elbow during a game against the Seattle Seahawks. This caused her husband to get an emergency MRI.

The incident also prevented her husband from playing for some time. While he recovered, Ashley said she remained supportive of Ben if he retired from the sport.

Ben retired from the NFL in January 2022. He joined the ranks of famous NFL players who have retired from the sport, including Antonio Brown and Michael Bennett.