Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger dressed like a tight end on the first day of camp

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:30 p.m. ET

Dan Graf

Heath Miller was gone but not forgotten Friday when the Pittsburgh Steelers opened training camp.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was drafted by Steelers one year before Miller came aboard in 2005, honored his recently retired former teammate by wearing the No. 83 Miller donned for 11 seasons.

“I wanted to wear it today hoping maybe he would appear from somewhere and come out and play a little bit,” Roethlisberger told reporters. “Just an honor of a guy who deserves to be honored.”

Can't have #SteelersCamp without #83. #HEEATH pic.twitter.com/pQFdsBYody
— #SteelersCamp (@steelers) July 29, 2016

Miller, 33, retired after catching 60 passes for 535 yards in his final season. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and generally was Roethlisberger’s security blanket for the entirety of his career.

The team signed former Chargers tight end Ladarius Green in March, but Green is on the physically unable to perform list after offseason ankle surgery.

Until Green is ready to go, Roethlisberger likely will wish he weren’t the only one wearing No. 83 at Steelers camp.