Ben Roethlisberger has previously hinted that this may be his final season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While theories exist of him suiting up elsewhere, the end of an era in Pittsburgh is still sad for fans.
Roethlisberger has been with the team since 2004 and has won two Super Bowls.
Yet the veteran has done a good job of avoiding the topic directly and being vague.
That changed with his latest comment.
BREAKING; Ben Roethlisberger said today that Monday night’s game against the Cleveland Browns is likely his final game at Heinz Field, his first public indication he will retire after the season.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) December 30, 2021
Roethlisberger telling the media that Monday is likely his final game at Heinz Field should mean he is done after the season.
End Of An Era
There is always the possibility that Roethlisberger could decide to take a one-year deal somewhere else in the NFL.
But if we read between the lines, saying he will never play at Heinz Field again indicates he is ready to retire.
Ben Roethlisberger won’t speak in definites, but he says “all signs” are pointing that “this could be it” his last game — at least regular season — at Heinz Field. pic.twitter.com/9jlhR99Kty
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 30, 2021
Roethlisberger has been battling through injuries for what seems like forever.
He has all but lost any mobility he once had and is not behind a strong Steelers offensive line.
He has taken the fifth-most sacks in the NFL with 35.
The final goal now is to somehow get back into the postseason and that process begins against a division rival in the Cleveland Browns.
Roethlisberger has owned the Browns for his entire career and beating them one final time at Heinz Field would be a fitting conclusion to the one-sided rivalry.
Taking the Philip Rivers route and getting $25 million for one season may be too much for the Steelers legend to pass up in 2022.
That is a lot of money to get one final run in the NFL with a change of scenery.
Yet for now, the thought of him playing in another uniform has to be too weird for Steelers fans to fathom.
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