Coach Mike Tomlin had denied any injury problem with Roethlisberger in the week before the Super Bowl.
Roethlisberger was seen stretching his mid-torso region throughout the week and apparently was comfortable in the game, going 21-for-30 with 256 yards and the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter to Santonio Holmes.
Roethlisberger also threw an interception and was sacked three times. The Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23.
"Fractured ribs,'' Roethlisberger told SI.com. "Luckily, in the game, I didn't take any big hits to make 'em hurt. But I knew all along there was something wrong. There wouldn't have been anything they could have done about fractured ribs anyway. It was just suck it up and play.''
Roethlisberger was drilled in the back by a helmet during the AFC title game against the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 18 and did not leave the game, though backup Byron Leftwich hurriedly warmed up.
Roethlisberger had expressed surprise anyone doubted that one of the NFL's toughest and most physical offensive players -- and the Super Bowl MVP three years ago -- would play.
"People ask me that question and I want to smack them," Roethlisberger said on the Monday before the game. "It's Hines Ward, he's going to be out here. It's the Super Bowl."
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