If a name and face became synonymous with the Pittsburgh Steelers, it would be Ben Roethlisberger‘s. The quarterback is in his 18th season with the team and acknowledges this could be his last year.
“I don’t ever speak in definites or guarantees, that’s just not what I’ve ever done or who I am,” Roethlisberger said, according to Pro Football Talk. “But looking at the bigger picture, I would say that all signs are pointing to this could be it. Regular season, that is — I know we still have a chance to potentially get a playoff game there if things fall our way and we take care of business and things have to happen. But in the grand scheme of things, in terms of the regular season, signs are pointing that way, this could be it.”
Roethlisberger was drafted in 2004 and led the Steelers to two Super Bowl wins.
This year, the Steelers are 7-7-1. The wild card race is extremely competitive, but securing a playoff spot is not out of the question.
“I’ve been so blessed to play in front of the best fans in all of sports at the best venue, and what better way to have a last potential regular-season game than Monday Night Football against a division opponent. It’s just special. So, the long-winded answer is I got a lot of focus on still for this year and this game, and that’s got to be it right now.”
It has been speculated for a long time that this year would be Roethlisberger’s final year since his arm strength has noticeably declined. Former teammate Ryan Shazier said publically that he thinks the game will tell Roethlisberger when it’s time and that time could be soon. As for Roethlisberger, he’s focused on the upcoming game.
“I’ll address the definite answer for that at some point down the road,” the quarterback said Thursday. “But like I said, my focus is winning this game. If it is indeed my last regular-season game here, it’s going to be one of the most important games of my career.”
