Ben Roethlisberger's wife gives birth to son, Ben Jr.

Ben Roethlisberger and his wife Ashley welcomed a new baby boy, Ben Jr., into the world on Wednesday night. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) Ashley

Ben Roethlisberger and his wife Ashley welcomed a new baby boy, Ben Jr., into the world on Wednesday night. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Ashley Roethlisberger, the wife of Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, gave birth to the couple's first child, Ben Jr. on Wednesday night, reports USA Today.

Ben Jr. weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz. The news and a message from the family was posted on Roethlisberger's website:

We would like to let everyone know that last night at 10:06 PM Ashley and I welcomed a healthy, beautiful baby boy into this world.

We want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, it really means a lot to us. God is so good!

We will have pictures to post this weekend.

We hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

– Ben, Ashley, and Benjamin

Earlier in the season, Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette he would miss a game for the birth of his son if necessary:

"I'm not missing the birth of my child," Roethlisberger said emphatically. "There's no chance. I know some fans probably don't want to hear that, but there's no chance."