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The Pittsburgh Steelers have a cloud hanging over their head, and it seems to be a yearly cloud for at least the next few seasons. This could would be none other than the future of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
After hinting at potentially retiring after the 2016 AFC Championship Game, Roethlisberger has been mum on the situation throughout the 2017 regular season. However, during his media session prior to the team’s Divisional Round game vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars, Roethlisberger hinted at a potential return next season.
Ben Roethlisberger now whether this is last Heinz Field game: “I don’t think it is but I’m not thinking about that right now. I’m going to play this one and give it everything I have.”
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 10, 2018
Here is video of Roethlisberger’s comments:
@TribSports @KGorman_Trib asks Ben Roethlisberger if this could be his last game at Heinz Field. pic.twitter.com/VdfFfhrbZK
— Charles Palla (@ChazPalla) January 10, 2018
Roethlisberger said more than just the prospects of this upcoming playoff game likely not being his final game at Heinz Field, but his words will certainly bring a level or relief for a fan base concerned about when Roethlisberger finally decides to call it a career.
Whenever that day comes, it will become a stark reality just how good the Pittsburgh organization has had it over the past decade. Knowing you have a Top Tier quarterback every time you take the field is something many NFL franchises would almost kill for, and it would be wise for the team to prepare for life without Roethlisberger sooner than later.
In the meantime, Roethlisberger is locked in on this playoff run, and will let next season unfold on its own. In the meantime, Roethlisberger not thinking this will be his final home game is a good sign of a return for No. 7 in 2018.