League sources have told ESPN that Ben Roethlisberger has privately told both former teammates and others within the Steelers’ organization he expects this year to be his last in Pittsburgh. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Roethlisberger himself has not made any statements about this publicly, likely in hopes to avoid shifting the focus to him while the Steelers make their playoff run.
Nonetheless, “…sources say he and those within the organization are now operating as if he is entering the final five games of his Hall of Fame career…” (Schefter).
A Hall of Fame career indeed
While there is nothing official about this being his last year in Pittsburgh, it is essentially official that Canton awaits whenever he does retire. Roethlisberger ranks 6th all-time in passing yards (62,870) and 8th in passing touchdowns (410). He ranks in the top-15 of several other passing categories; the impressive list speaks to his longevity in the league.
The eighteen-year veteran has led the Steelers to two Super Bowl wins and has six Pro Bowl selections. He ranks third in fourth-quarter comebacks as well, trailing only Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Again, there is a catalog of impressive numbers that support the illustrious career of Ben Roethlisberger. He should be a unanimous entrant into the Hall of Fame.
This news should not come as a surprise
While we don’t know anything for sure, this news does not seem to be shocking anyone. You cannot dispute his career resume, but at the moment, he is not the same Big Ben he has been most of his career.
To be fair, Roethlisberger is still capable of throwing the ball well and leading the Steelers to victories. The Steelers are very much in the AFC playoff picture and can recapture some positive momentum with an upset over the Ravens this weekend. However, the consistency is not there as an effective passer. At age 39, he does not have the same mobility and pocket presence that made him so clutch during Pittsburgh’s deep playoff runs.
There will be some speculation
Schefter’s article reports that “Roethlisberger has told many that he never would want to play anywhere other than Pittsburgh.” It seems unlikely, then, that he’ll attempt to play elsewhere when his contract is up at the end of the season.
That being said, never say never. I don’t know if I could come to terms with Roethlisberger in a uniform that is not Steelers’ black and gold, but weirder things have happened. Until something official comes out, everyone watching the situation will have fun speculating. Anything that could potentially lead to a scenario other than Big Ben retiring from football will be a hot topic during the off-season.
If and when Roethlisberger does play his last snap, we will have to say goodbye to one of the best of all time. He has spent an NFL-record eighteen seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and most of that time has been filled with elite-level quarterback play.
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