Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger Hints That Monday Night Could Be His Last Game At Heinz Field
Monday night's game against the Browns may very well be the end of the road for Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
At least at Heinz Field, the place where Roethlisberger has called home for the last 18 years.
"I don't ever speak in definites or guarantees, that's not what I've ever done or who I am," Roethlisberger said Thursday, via Around The NFL's Kevin Patra. "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 regular seasons, signs are pointing that way this could be it."
Amid rumors that this could be the final season of his career, this is the first public comments Roethlisberger, 39, has made regarding his future. While the playoffs remain a slight possibility for the Steelers (7-7-1), keeping the 18-year streak of finishing .500 or better under Roethlisberger is at stake.
"I'll address the definite answer for that at some point down the road," Roethlisberger said. "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. 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."
Since being drafted 11th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft, Roethlisberger has been a model of consistency for the Steel City, leading the franchise to Super Bowl victories in Super Bowl XL (2005-06) and Super Bowl XLIII (2008-09).
While he might not ever be as revered as Terry Bradshaw, Roethlisberger is the Steelers' all-time leader in quarterback wins (163) and passing touchdowns (416). Per Patra, only Tom Brady (219) has more career wins with one franchise.
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