Ben Roethlisberger finds a way to win -- at everything

Last Sunday, a record TV audience watched Roethlisberger work his magic. With his performance in the playoffs culminating with his masterful two-minute drive in the Super Bowl, he went from a very good quarterback to an elite one. His name deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Peyton Manning's and Tom Brady's.

Manning is the AFC's starting quarterback in the Pro Bowl. The reserves are Jay Cutler and Kerry Collins, who is replacing the injured Brett Favre. (Notably absent are Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers.) Fans, players and coaches vote for the Pro Bowl, and the teams are determined before the regular season ends.

"It's funny because I remember when it got announced," Roethlisberger said of the Pro Bowl roster. "People were coming up to me saying, 'Man, I can't believe you didn't make it.' I'd say, 'You know what? It's all right. I'll just go out and get a Super Bowl now. I'd rather have a Super Bowl than a Pro Bowl any day.' I'm just glad that it worked out.

"Pro Bowl's a credential thing, that's all."

Somehow, you get the feeling he's gotten over the disappointment.

Funny how a second Super Bowl ring can do that.

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sam.farmer@latimes.com