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Charlie Batch
Charlie Batch
Charlie Batch
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Charles D'Donte Batch[2] (born December 5, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Eastern Michigan Eagles. He was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1998 NFL draft and played 15 seasons in the NFL, most of it as a backup with his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers, with whom he earned two Super Bowl rings (Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII).[3]

Key Information

Batch currently works for KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh as a pre-game analyst for the Steelers as well as a color commentator for their preseason games.[4] In addition, he co-hosts the Steeler Post-Game Show on WDVE Radio. Batch also works with Champs Sports Network as a color analyst for WPIAL high school football and basketball broadcasts.

College career

[edit]

Batch is the son of Lynne Settles, a former school teacher[5] and Nilesh Shah, a former Pittsburgh steel mill operator. Batch had a remarkable career at Eastern Michigan University, owning almost every passing record. He also earned a degree in criminal justice. He was a local favorite when he was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1998 NFL draft. He pledged the Zeta Epsilon chapter of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.

College statistics

[edit]
Season Team Passing Rushing
Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
1994 Eastern Michigan 49 78 62.8 617 7.9 7 1 156.3 23 0 0.0 1
1995 Eastern Michigan 244 421 58.0 3,177 7.5 21 17 129.7 61 52 0.9 3
1996 Eastern Michigan 39 65 60.0 518 8.0 2 2 130.9 12 -39 -3.3 0
1997 Eastern Michigan 247 434 56.9 3,280 7.6 23 11 132.8 85 110 1.3 1
Career[6] 579 998 58.0 7,592 7.6 53 31 133.2 181 123 0.7 5

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump
6 ft 1+7⁄8 in
(1.88 m) 		216 lb
(98 kg) 		33+3⁄4 in
(0.86 m) 		9+3⁄4 in
(0.25 m)		 4.89 s 1.73 s 2.87 s 4.11 s 7.60 s 33.5 in
(0.85 m)
All values from NFL Combine[7]

Detroit Lions

[edit]

Charlie Batch was the Detroit Lions' starter through better parts of the 1998–2001 seasons. After the surprising retirement of running back Barry Sanders in 1999, Detroit struggled to find consistency in its running game,[8] and Batch was asked to assume a "hybrid" quarterback role and assist in the Lions' running game by using various quarterback sweeps, bootlegs, and quarterback draws in an attempt to keep defenders off balance. He proved to be effective, but injury prone, in his years with Detroit. In 1999, the year Sanders retired, Batch helped rally Detroit to a surprising wildcard playoff game against the Washington Redskins. Batch did not play in the game, giving way to Gus Frerotte due to injury, and Detroit lost 27–13.

The 2000 season proved to be Batch's last full season as an NFL starter. He was injured (leaving the Week 17 matchup against Chicago with a shoulder injury) in a pivotal game in which Detroit lost on a last-second field goal by Paul Edinger. The game cost the Lions a playoff berth and set into motion a radical turn of events in the Lions' front office, resulting in the hiring of Fox Sports color commentator Matt Millen as the new CEO and general manager. Millen's arrival ultimately resulted in an extreme makeover in Detroit's roster, and Batch became one of the more visible casualties.

He started the 2001 season as Detroit's starter under new head coach Marty Mornhinweg, but was injured late in 2001. Batch was replaced mid-season by Ty Detmer for whom the Cleveland Browns received a fourth round pick, but had already planned to cut him. Detmer immediately came in as a starter only to throw seven interceptions against his former team. Batch was eventually released by the Lions that offseason for stated salary cap reasons. Batch had been deemed expendable due in part to the team's drafting of Joey Harrington with their first-round pick, and Millen had gone on record in his desire to find a starting quarterback other than Batch earlier that year. Still, Batch passed for over 9,000 yards with Detroit, reaching sixth on the Lions' all-time list. Ironically, Batch would ultimately last longer in the NFL than Harrington, who would prove to be a draft bust and was out of the NFL by 2009.

Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]
Batch at the Super Bowl XL parade in 2006

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed him to a one-year contract for 2002 as a backup, but he did not play. The move to initially sign Batch was not a surprise, given that Batch was from Pittsburgh and the Steelers' current Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert initially drafted Batch in Detroit. Despite not playing in 2002 (being third string behind Kordell Stewart and Tommy Maddox, who split the year as the starters), Batch became popular with Steeler fans, partly due to having grown up in nearby Homestead, Pennsylvania but also because of his charity work.

His contract was renewed by the Steelers, and Batch saw some action in 2003. In 2004, Batch spent the season on injured reserve after offseason knee surgery. In 2005, he became the second-string quarterback for the Steelers, playing behind Ben Roethlisberger. During 2005, an injury to Roethlisberger gave Batch two starting opportunities, yielding two victories. In the process, Batch became the first Pittsburgh-area native to start for the team at quarterback since Terry Hanratty, a native of Butler, Pennsylvania, started for a few games during his rookie season in 1969 before becoming a backup the following season to Terry Bradshaw.

He backed up Ben Roethlisberger during Super Bowl XL, and the Steelers' 21–10 victory made Batch a Super Bowl champion.[9]

On March 14, 2006, Charlie Batch signed a 3-year deal, through the 2008 season.[10]

He was also one of several Pittsburgh Steelers players that visited Ben Roethlisberger in the hospital to hear of his condition after his motorcycle accident on June 12, 2006.

Batch was again tapped to fill in for Roethlisberger to start the Steelers 2006 season when Roethlisberger had to have an emergency appendectomy the week before the season started. Batch had his best game in over four years, throwing for 209 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also threw the first touchdown pass of the 2006 regular season. Batch temporarily replaced Ben Roethlisberger in week 7 in Atlanta when Roethlisberger went down with a concussion. Batch completed 8 of 13 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns, including a 70-yard touchdown pass to Hines Ward.

Batch and Brian St. Pierre on the sideline in 2007

On August 8, 2008, Batch sustained a broken clavicle in the second quarter of a pre-season game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Heinz Field.[11] The team signed former Jacksonville Jaguars starter Byron Leftwich. Batch was placed on season-ending injured reserve on August 30.

On April 14, 2009, Batch, who was an unrestricted free agent after the 2008 season, re-signed with the Steelers.

On November 22, 2009, Batch took over in a week 11 game against the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime after Ben Roethlisberger was injured. During the overtime drive, he threw one pass for 17 yards, putting them two yards out of field goal range. However, on third down, the Steelers opted to run (rather than relying on Batch's arm), which resulted in yards lost and a punt. Batch's wrist was injured during the game and required surgery. He missed six weeks, ending his regular season.

On March 26, 2010, Batch re-signed with the Steelers for another two seasons.[12]

With Roethlisberger being suspended four games by the NFL to start the 2010 season, and with both Dennis Dixon and Byron Leftwich out with injured knees, Batch led the Steelers to a 38–13 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week three. Batch tied a career-high with three touchdown passes. Because of this, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stated that Batch had earned a starting role in week 4 versus Baltimore (which the Steelers lost 17–14).

Batch signed a one-year contract to remain with the Steelers on April 16, 2012.[13]

After a sternoclavicular (SC) joint and rib injury to Ben Roethlisberger in week 10 of the 2012 season and a rib injury to Byron Leftwich in week 11, Batch was the starting quarterback for the week 12 matchup vs. the Cleveland Browns, during which the Pittsburgh Steelers turned the ball over eight times (three interceptions by Batch and five fumbles by five other players) and lost 20–14. A week later, Batch led the Steelers to victory over the division-leading Baltimore Ravens 23–20 in Baltimore. Batch drove the Steelers down the field, connecting with Heath Miller for a game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter. He then led the game-winning drive, which culminated in a Shaun Suisham 42-yard field goal.[14]

With the Steelers drafting Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones in the 2013 NFL draft, the team announced that Batch would not be returning to the team for 2013, ending his 11-year tenure with the team. At the time of Batch's departure his tenure was the second-longest in team history for a quarterback, behind only Terry Bradshaw,[15] although this feat has subsequently been surpassed by Roethlisberger.

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Year Team GP GS Passing Rushing
Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
1998 DET 12 12 173 303 57.1 2,178 7.2 11 6 83.5 41 229 5.6 1
1999 DET 11 10 151 270 55.9 1,957 7.2 13 7 84.1 28 87 3.1 2
2000 DET 15 15 221 412 53.6 2,489 6.0 13 15 67.3 44 199 4.5 2
2001 DET 10 9 198 341 58.1 2,392 7.0 12 12 76.8 12 45 3.8 0
2003 PIT 4 0 4 8 50.0 47 5.9 0 0 68.2 1 11 11.0 0
2005 PIT 4 2 23 36 63.9 246 6.8 1 1 81.5 11 30 2.7 1
2006 PIT 8 1 31 53 58.5 492 9.3 5 0 121.0 13 15 1.2 0
2007 PIT 7 1 17 36 47.2 232 6.4 2 3 52.1 12 -7 -0.6 0
2009 PIT 1 0 1 2 50.0 17 8.5 0 0 79.2 0 0 0.0 0
2010 PIT 3 2 29 49 59.2 352 7.2 3 3 76.2 7 30 4.3 0
2011 PIT 4 1 15 24 62.5 208 8.7 0 1 72.9 3 -2 -0.7 0
2012 PIT 2 2 45 70 64.3 475 6.8 1 4 64.9 0 0 0.0 0
Career 81 55 908 1,604 56.6 11,085 6.9 61 52 77.2 172 637 3.7 6

Source:[2]

Broadcasting career

[edit]

Although Batch did not officially announce his retirement from the NFL, he took a Steelers pre-game studio analyst job with KDKA-TV for the 2013 season alongside KDKA-TV sports anchor Bob Pompeani and ex-Steeler defensive lineman Edmund Nelson, effectively ending his NFL career. He continued in this role for the 2014 season.

In 2015, Batch replaced the retiring Nelson as KDKA-TV's color commentator for preseason games, while becoming the main studio analyst for the Steelers pre-game coverage prior to the national airing of The NFL Today. Former teammate Chris Hoke replaced Nelson for the post-game show.[16]

Charity

[edit]

In 2006, Batch was presented with the first Jerome Bettis Award for Humanity and Community Service for his work supporting children through his Best of the Batch Foundation and for efforts to upgrade local football fields and basketball courts for area kids.[17] This annual award is presented to a Pittsburgh individual who demonstrates the image of the award title. Batch was chosen because of his commitment to his hometown of Homestead, Pennsylvania, by bringing to the area programs for the children through his Best of the Batch Foundation and upgrading basketball courts and football fields for the kids to use.[17]

Batch has also been recognized for his efforts with underprivileged urban youth. The Schramm-McCracken Prize was bestowed on Charlie Batch in 2002 by the Three Rivers District of the Loyal Order of Moose in large part for his creation and work at the Charlie Batch Urban Pumpkin Patch and Gardens. The CBUPP was a created as a way to help fight hunger, using Urban Agriculture and local gang activity by employing inner city youth in a sustainable, green future.

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Charlie Batch

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from Grokipedia
Charlie Batch (born Charles D'Donte Batch; December 5, 1974) is a former who played professionally in the (NFL) for 15 seasons from 1998 to 2012, amassing 11,085 passing yards, 61 touchdowns, and 52 interceptions while starting 55 games across two teams. Batch grew up in , a suburb of , and attended , where he set numerous school records for passing yards and touchdowns before being selected in the second round (60th overall) of the by the . In his four seasons with the Lions (1998–2001), he appeared in 48 games, starting 46, and threw for 7,621 yards with 37 touchdowns and 34 interceptions, serving as the team's primary starter during a period of rebuilding. After signing with the in 2002 but playing no games due to injury, Batch remained with his hometown team from 2003 onward as a reliable backup to , appearing in 39 games (starting 9) and posting an 85.1 in limited action, including his final start in a 2012 loss to the where he threw for 199 yards. During his tenure with the Steelers, Batch contributed to two Super Bowl victories as a member of the roster— following the 2005 season and following the 2008 season—though he did not play in either game, earning rings as part of the championship teams. He retired after the 2012 season at age 37, reflecting on the highs of those titles, particularly held in his former home stadium in , and the disappointment of the Steelers' loss in to the . Following retirement, Batch founded the Best of the Batch Foundation in 1999—initially in and later expanded to —to honor his younger sister, Danyl Settles, who was fatally shot in a gang-related incident in Homestead, providing educational programs, training, summer leagues, initiatives, and holiday toy drives that serve over 3,300 youth annually across six Pittsburgh-area counties with 12 programs and more than 200 volunteers. For his , he received the Players Association's Byron "Whizzer" White Humanitarian Award in 2013, which included a $100,000 to his foundation, and continues to work as a , Steelers broadcaster, and advocate for youth development.

Early life and education

Family background and upbringing

Charles D'Donte Batch was born on December 5, 1974, in Homestead, Pennsylvania. Batch grew up in a single-parent household in the working-class neighborhood of Homestead, near Pittsburgh, raised by his mother, Lynn Settles, a former school teacher who served as both mother and father figure. He was the eldest of three siblings, including his younger sister Danyl Lynn Settles and brother Vernon Settles, in a family that emphasized discipline, hard work, and the value of education amid modest means. Settles instilled these principles through her role as an educator, fostering a home environment where academic achievement was prioritized alongside personal responsibility, shaping Batch's early sense of determination and self-reliance. During his formative years in Homestead, Batch balanced community-oriented activities and academics with an emerging interest in sports, though football initially sparked his passion around age six. His mother was initially cautious about him pursuing the sport due to its physical demands, reflecting the protective challenges of raising children alone in a blue-collar community. These early experiences, including the stability provided by his mother's guidance despite economic constraints, motivated Batch's drive toward structured goals, laying the groundwork for his later athletic pursuits without formal organization at that stage.

High school career

Batch attended Steel Valley High School in , where he emerged as a standout and two-sport athlete in football and . As a two-year starter from 1990 to 1991, he showcased exceptional arm strength and leadership, earning All-State honors for his performance on the gridiron. During his senior year in 1991, Batch led the Steel Valley Ironmen to a No. 1 ranking in and advanced to the WPIAL Class AA semifinals, demonstrating his ability to elevate the team's offensive output through precise passing and strategic decision-making. His contributions were pivotal in guiding the squad deep into the playoffs, highlighting his poise under pressure and command of the offense. Batch's high school success drew interest from multiple college programs, though he initially hoped to play for the due to his local roots. However, the Panthers' lukewarm recruitment efforts prompted him to commit to , where he saw an opportunity for immediate playing time and development as a Division I . This in-state decision for the Michigan-based program allowed him to stay close to home while pursuing a that aligned with his academic and athletic goals.

College career at Eastern Michigan

Batch enrolled at in 1993, redshirting his freshman season to preserve a year of eligibility before emerging as the starting the following year. He majored in , earning his in 1997 while balancing academics with his athletic commitments. Over his four seasons of varsity play from 1994 to 1997, Batch rewrote much of the program's passing records, amassing 7,592 career passing yards and 53 touchdown passes—figures that ranked him among the (MAC) all-time leaders at 28th and 29th, respectively. His total offense reached 7,715 yards, establishing a school benchmark that underscored his dual-threat capability as a pocket passer with mobility. As a in 1994 and junior in 1995, Batch solidified his role as the Eagles' offensive leader, guiding the team to a 6-5 record in the latter year and earning first-team All-MAC honors. That season, he topped the conference in passing efficiency at 129.73, while accumulating 3,229 yards of total offense—a single-season school record at the time. His progress was interrupted in 1996 by a fractured ankle sustained early in the campaign against , limiting him to just a few games and prompting a hardship waiver that granted an extra year of eligibility. Returning for a fifth year in 1997, Batch captained the offense with renewed vigor, leading the MAC in total offense at 308.2 yards per game and setting another school single-season mark with 3,390 total yards. He was recognized as Eastern Michigan's Most Valuable Player for his senior campaign, despite the team's 4-7 finish, and his consistent performance drew national attention from NFL scouts. Following the season, Batch declared for the 1998 NFL Draft, forgoing any potential additional eligibility to pursue a professional career.

Professional football career

Detroit Lions tenure

Charlie Batch was selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round (60th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft, following a standout college career at Eastern Michigan University. As a rookie, Batch transitioned quickly into a starting role, taking over midway through the season after incumbent Scott Mitchell struggled. He appeared in 12 games, starting 10, and completed 173 of 303 passes for 2,178 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, earning an 83.5 passer rating. His debut highlighted his potential, including a 149.6 passer rating in a Week 6 victory over the Green Bay Packers, but a compression fracture in his lower back sidelined him for the final two games, contributing to the Lions' 5-11 finish. In 1999, Batch solidified his position as the Lions' primary starter, leading the team to an 8-8 record and a wild-card playoff berth—their first postseason appearance since 1995. He started 10 of 11 games, passing for 1,957 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions with a 78.8 rating, while adding 87 rushing yards on 28 carries. However, a hairline in his right , initially injured in Week 8 against the and re-aggravated in the regular-season finale against , forced him to miss the wild-card playoff game against the Washington Redskins, where backup started in a 27-13 loss. Batch's 2000 season marked his most extensive playing time, starting all 15 games despite an offseason displaced fracture in his right that required and sidelined him for about three months of . He threw for 2,489 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, posting a 67.3 rating as the Lions finished 9-7 but missed the on tiebreakers. The lingering effects of the persisted into 2001, where he started the first three games under new head coach , completing 30 of 59 passes for 392 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions before a pulled and other ailments limited him further; he was replaced mid-season by as the Lions ended 2-14. On June 3, 2002, the Lions released Batch to free up approximately $2.5 million in space, ending his four-year tenure in after 47 starts and amid the team's rebuilding efforts.

Pittsburgh Steelers tenure

Charlie Batch joined the in June 2002, signing a one-year as a after being released by the . As a native, he provided experienced depth at behind starter and backup , though he did not appear in any games that season. Batch re-signed with the team multiple times thereafter, including a one-year deal in 2009, a two-year extension in 2010, and another one-year in 2012, solidifying his role through the 2012 season. Throughout his Steelers tenure, Batch served primarily as a reliable backup, first to Maddox and later to Ben Roethlisberger following the latter's emergence as starter in 2004. He saw action in relief appearances across multiple seasons but earned notable starts due to injuries or circumstances. In 2005, with Roethlisberger sidelined by a knee injury, Batch started two games, going 2-0 and completing 23 of 36 passes for 246 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. In 2010, amid Roethlisberger's four-game suspension for a personal conduct violation, Batch started the first three games, posting a 2-1 record while throwing for 616 yards and four touchdowns. Later, in 2012, injuries to Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich led to two starts for the 37-year-old Batch, including a 23-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens where he threw for 276 yards and a touchdown. Batch contributed to two Super Bowl-winning teams during his time in Pittsburgh, appearing on the roster for after the 2005 season and following the 2008 campaign, though his playing time was limited in both postseason runs. Known for his leadership, he mentored younger quarterbacks, including Roethlisberger, emphasizing preparation and team stability during his 11 seasons with the franchise. The Steelers did not re-sign Batch after the 2012 season, particularly following the selection of quarterback , effectively ending his playing career with the team. Batch transitioned from professional football in 2013 at age 38 without a formal announcement.

Career highlights and retirement

Throughout his 15-season career, Charlie Batch distinguished himself as a resilient quarterback, appearing in 81 games primarily with the and , where he provided stability during injuries to starting quarterbacks. His longevity in the league, spanning from 1998 to 2012, underscored his adaptability and preparation, often stepping in to deliver crucial performances without the benefit of extensive starting experience in his later years. Batch's role as a reliable reserve contributed to the Steelers' success, including earning two rings as part of the championship teams in (2005 season) and (2008 season). One of Batch's most memorable milestones came in the 2012 season at age 37, when he filled in for an injured Ben Roethlisberger and engineered a dramatic 23-20 comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens on December 2. Trailing 20-10 in the fourth quarter, Batch orchestrated a 15-play, 80-yard scoring drive capped by a field goal with seconds remaining, showcasing his poise under pressure in a pivotal divisional matchup. His prior start that season had been a loss to the Cleveland Browns, but the victory over the Ravens gave him a 1-1 record in two starts, helping to keep Pittsburgh's playoff hopes alive. These efforts highlighted his career-long resilience. Batch received no selections but was honored for his overall contributions and exemplary career with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 NFL Players Academy Awards, recognizing his 15 years of service and leadership as a veteran backup. His impact extended beyond the field through proactive transition planning; as a longtime NFL Players Association representative, he advocated for player welfare during his playing days, laying the groundwork for post-career initiatives. Following the 2012 season, Batch retired from professional football without a formal announcement, opting instead to join the ' broadcasting team as a pre-game studio analyst for in 2013. Reflecting on his legacy, Batch has emphasized the significance of his two championships as defining achievements, symbolizing team success and personal perseverance in a marked by more bench time than spotlight moments. Immediately after retiring, he assumed the role of Senior Captain for The Trust, an NFLPA program launched in November 2013 to assist former players with life transitions, drawing on his own experiences to support retirees in , and .

NFL playing statistics

Regular season statistics

Charlie Batch played in the from 1998 to 2012, primarily as a backup , appearing in 81 regular season games with 55 starts across his tenure with the , , and . His career passing statistics reflect a role marked by occasional starting stretches interrupted by injuries, with a completion percentage of 56.6% over 1,604 attempts.

Passing Statistics

Batch's passing performance varied by role and health; he showed efficiency in limited backup appearances later in his career, such as a 121.0 rating in 2006 with five touchdowns and no interceptions in eight games. Injury-impacted seasons, like and 2004 when he did not play due to abdominal and leg injuries respectively, limited his overall volume.
YearTeamGamesStartsCompletionsAttemptsYardsTouchdownsInterceptionsQB Rating
1998DET12121733032,17811683.5
1999DET11101512701,95713784.1
2000DET15152214122,489131567.3
2001DET1091983412,392121276.8
2002CLE00——————
2003PIT4048470068.2
2004PIT00——————
2005PIT4223362461181.5
2006PIT81315349250121.0
2007PIT7117362322352.1
2008PIT00——————
2009PIT1012170079.2
2010PIT3229493523376.2
2011PIT4115242080172.9
2012PIT2245704751464.9
Career—81559081,60411,085615277.2

Rushing and Fumble Statistics

Batch contributed modestly to his teams' rushing attacks, leveraging his mobility early in his career with the Lions, where he averaged over 5 yards per carry in 1998 and 2000. Fumbles were a challenge in his starting years, with 18 lost over his career, often correlating with higher snap counts.
YearRushing AttemptsRushing YardsRushing TDsFumbles Lost
19984122912
1999288724
20004419926
2001124504
20020000
200311101
20040000
2005113010
2006131501
200712-700
20080000
20090000
201073001
20113-200
20120000
Career172637618
Overall, Batch's regular season totals underscore his reliability as a , with 11,085 passing yards and a 77.2 , peaking in efficiency during spot starts with the Steelers from 2005 onward. His rushing added 637 yards and six touchdowns, providing dual-threat value in an era when quarterbacks' mobility was emerging as an asset.

Postseason statistics

Charlie Batch appeared in six postseason games over his NFL career, starting two, primarily serving as a backup for the during their successful playoff runs. His limited playing time reflected his role as a reliable veteran presence behind starter , contributing to two championships (XL and XLIII) while seeing action in various rounds, including wild card, divisional, conference championship, and contests. Batch's postseason passing statistics demonstrated solid efficiency under pressure, though with modest volume due to his backup status. In these games, he completed 61.3% of his passes for an average of 7.1 yards per attempt, showcasing his ability to manage games effectively when called upon. His rushing contributions added versatility, including a in one appearance.

Career Postseason Statistics

Passing and Rushing

CategoryGPGSCmpAttPctYdsY/ATDIntRateAtt (Rush)Yds (Rush)Avg (Rush)TD (Rush)
Postseason Totals626811161.37837.14571.711413.71
Batch's postseason role emphasized preparation and readiness, drawing from his regular season experience to support team success in high-stakes environments without extensive statistical output.

Post-retirement career

Broadcasting and media roles

Following his retirement from the in 2012, Charlie Batch transitioned into , beginning with the ' preseason coverage in 2015. He joined , the local affiliate, as the color analyst for the team's preseason games and co-host of the pre- and post-game shows, leveraging his 11 seasons with the Steelers to provide insider perspectives on gameplay and team dynamics. Batch expanded his media presence within Pittsburgh's sports scene, serving as a post-game analyst on the alongside host Mike Prisuta, where he breaks down game performances immediately after matches. He has made regular guest appearances on local outlets like 93.7 The Fan, including discussions on Steelers strategies during shows such as The Fan Morning Show and Mark Madden's program, offering analysis on decisions and offensive schemes drawn from his playing experience. His contributions emphasize practical insights into play, such as pocket presence and read progressions, helping to translate complex on-field tactics for listeners. Nationally, Batch has appeared on , including a live segment in 2022 discussing player health and community initiatives, and he continues to provide occasional commentary that highlights the nuances of preparation from a former quarterback's viewpoint. By 2025, his role with had evolved into a regular pre-game analyst for Steelers broadcasts, complemented by preseason color commentary and guest spots on platforms like the Up & Adams Show and Watch D.A. Live, where he analyzed recent games and draft prospects. Batch's broadcasting work has been recognized for effectively bridging the gap between players' experiences and fans' understanding, making technical aspects of football more accessible through relatable and his Steelers tenure as a reliable and starter.

Entrepreneurship and business ventures

After retiring from the in , Charlie Batch transitioned into entrepreneurship, focusing on technology and investment opportunities that leveraged his experiences in sports and health. In 2015, he co-founded Impellia, a Pittsburgh-based technology startup, alongside childhood friend Richard Walker and entrepreneur . The company develops human performance data analytics and rehabilitation tools, including partnerships with the University of Pittsburgh's Innovation Institute to commercialize advanced technologies for athletes and medical professionals. Batch expanded his portfolio in 2021 by joining CapStone Holdings Inc. as Senior Vice President of Strategic Investments, where he drives growth in medical marijuana, , and sectors. This role involves identifying partnerships and opportunities in emerging markets, drawing on his background to bridge sports performance with innovative health solutions. In addition to these ventures, Batch serves in advisory capacities within the sports business ecosystem, including as an Advisory Council Member for Robert Morris University's Sport Management program since 2018, providing guidance on industry trends and athlete transitions. He also acts as a Player Advisor for the Football Players Health Study at Harvard University, contributing insights on athlete health technologies. As of 2025, he serves as a Transition Consultant for the NFL Players Association, an Advisory Council Member for the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, and a member of the 2026 NFL Draft Football Legacy Committee. Batch's entrepreneurial philosophy emphasizes applying NFL-honed principles of resilience, , and to challenges, often encapsulated in his question to audiences: "What's Your End Game?" This mindset informs his professional speaking engagements, where he delivers motivational talks on and post-career success at corporate events and conferences. Key milestones include Impellia's launch in 2015 and his CapStone appointment in 2021, marking his shift toward scalable tech investments.

Philanthropy and community involvement

Best of the Batch Foundation

The Best of the Batch Foundation was established in 1999 by Charlie Batch during his tenure with the , inspired by the loss of his sister to gang violence and his commitment to supporting underprivileged youth in his hometown of . The organization initially focused on providing educational opportunities and resources to children and families in distressed Southwestern communities, with early funding drawn from Batch's earnings to seed its programs. Its mission centers on unlocking potential by offering choices, motivation, and education to promote youth development in education and health. Core programs emphasize scholarships, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) workshops, and character-building initiatives. The scholarship offerings include the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs for K-12 tuition assistance, as well as college scholarships for high school seniors, awarded based on financial need, a minimum 2.5 GPA, , and community involvement; notable examples include the $10,000 Luke & Tina Getsy distributed over four years and multiple $1,000–$4,000 awards to recipients like Danyl Settles and Robert T. Agurs III, funding dozens of graduates annually. workshops provide hands-on experiences in coding, , , and music production to foster and skills among school-aged children. Anti-bullying and empowerment efforts are integrated through mentoring programs like Girl Talk, which supports young girls in building confidence and addressing social challenges, alongside annual events such as the Batch A Toys holiday drive and Camp Batch basketball clinic, each serving over 1,000 children ages 7–12 with skill-building and anti-bullying messaging. Following Batch's retirement from the in 2013, the foundation experienced significant growth, expanding from initial local efforts to over 12 year-round programs that now serve more than 4,000 children and families across 22 school districts in nine counties. Key milestones include the 2024 opening of an expanded clubhouse facility in Homestead to accommodate increased participation and partnerships with the NFL Players Association, , and the Brain Institute to enhance educational and health-focused initiatives like Grub Time meal programs and BatchPacks resource distributions. Batch maintains a hands-on role as founder and president, personally leading events and program development, rooted in his upbringing in a steel-mill town where limited opportunities shaped his dedication to community uplift. In 2025, the foundation launched the 2025–2026 College Scholarship Program to further support higher education access and hosted its 16th Annual In The Pocket tailgate fundraiser on November 13, raising funds for expanded workshops and out-of-school time programs amid participation growth. These efforts, including participation in Give Big , underscore ongoing drives to sustain and scale impact for underserved youth.

Awards and honors

Batch's philanthropic efforts through the Best of the Batch Foundation earned him the ' Man of the Year Award in 2006, the team's highest community service honor. That same year, he received the inaugural Award for Humanity and Community Service, acknowledging his dedication to youth and family support programs. In 2013, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) named him the Byron "Whizzer" White Humanitarian Award recipient, the league's top award for off-field humanitarian work. Additional recognitions include the 2024 Patricia R. Rooney Community Impact Award from the Funds , shared with his wife Latasha for their joint leadership in community initiatives, and the 2025 Urban League Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award for advancing equity and opportunity. Beyond philanthropy, Batch served nine years as Senior Captain for The Trust Powered by the NFLPA, a role that supported former players' transitions and earned recognition for his advocacy in player welfare. In 2005, awarded him the Outstanding Alumnus honor. These accolades underscore Batch's off-field legacy through education, leadership, and community building, extending his influence far beyond the gridiron.

References

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