The 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers achieved a historic milestone by winning Super Bowl XL, defeating the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 to secure the franchise's fifth championship. Despite a mid-season slump that left them at 7-5, the team rallied with eight consecutive victories, including three straight road playoff wins as the first-ever sixth seed to reach and win the Super Bowl. Led by head coach Bill Cowher, second-year quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward, the season served as a legendary "final ride" for Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis in his hometown of Detroit. A two-time Super Bowl champion and six-time Pro Bowler, Ben Roethlisberger was a legendary quarterback who led the Pittsburgh Steelers for 18 seasons and retired among the NFL's all-time leaders in passing yards and completions.