updated 7:53 p.m. ET Feb. 2, 2009

NEW YORK - When he threw the pass that won the Super Bowl, Ben Roethlisberger thought he'd just blown the game for the Steelers.

The Pittsburgh quarterback went on the "Late Show with David Letterman" Monday night and told the host his pass to Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds to play Sunday night was his third read, and he thought a defensive back would intercept it.

"I was getting ready to start running and then I saw about five guys closing on me, I knew my life was about to end," Roethlisberger told Letterman.

"I saw Santonio in the corner and as soon as I let go of it, I saw the defensive back going to get it, and I thought it was intercepted. I thought the game was over. I thought I blew it. And, you know what? He made a heck of a catch, he really did."

Letterman also thanked Roethlisberger for appearing on the show after a night celebrating Pittsburgh's 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

"Long night — but what better way to celebrate the next day than to be here with you," Roethlisberger said.

"Oh, what a guy, what a guy," Letterman said, applauding.

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