(Pittsburgh) Ben Roethlisberger has been juggling the idea of retiring for years. But this time, there really seems to be something in the air.
For the first time in his nearly 20-year career, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback has done more than just hint at an imminent career end. The time for retirement may well have come.
“I would say all signs are that this could be the end,” Roethlisberger dropped in anticipation of Monday night’s game against the Cleveland Browns, which would then be his last at Heinz Field.
The 39-year-old veteran hasn’t confirmed anything, but he’s not used to doing it for anything. The rumors remained strong throughout his 18e season.
The two-time Super Bowl champion has been huffing and puffing a few times, but he’s also taken on a much more solemn tone at other times during a tough season for both himself and the team. it has defined for so long.
He insisted that it will be important for him to focus on the game on Monday night, since with a 7-7-1 record, his team’s chances of making the playoffs are slim, at most.
Roethlisberger will therefore enter Heinz Field as a starting quarterback for the 135e – and maybe last – time. The applause from the crowd will be breathtaking. Emotions will be at their peak, and the stake of the match will be just as much.
“I know I still have enough gas in the tank to go all out on the pitch this week and next. I have to do everything I can to get us into the playoffs, roethlisberger thundered. My ultimate goal has always been to win the Lombardi Trophy and it still is. We are not yet defeated. ”
No, indeed, but it’s getting closer and closer.
To ensure they stay in the race, the Steelers will first have to beat the Browns (7-8). If they’re going to get there, Roethlisberger will likely have to do what he’s done time and time again in front of the thousands of supporters waving their yellow napkins: rise to the level of the greats, even if only for a few moments.
A dent against the Browns
Myles Garrett was just eight years old when Roethlisberger began his personal crusade against the Browns.
“Big Ben” has haunted Cleveland with a 24-2-1 record against them as a starter since 2004, including 12-0 in the regular season at home.
“He’s one of the greatest,” summed up Garrett, the Browns’ all-star defensive end.
The Steelers quarterback may therefore only have one last chance to inflict another loss on the Browns.
Steelers fans may need to use their yellow towels to wipe away a few tears, but the Browns don’t intend to get emotional.
“I’m going to do what I have to do to prevent him from having possession of the ball, while he will do anything to keep it. I love the challenge of having to face a player of his caliber, ”said Garrett.
The defensive end leaned back and let out a short laugh when asked if he was going to miss Roethlisberger.
“I will miss his presence in the sport,” admitted Garrett. But as far as having to face him, no, I won’t miss that. ”
“I am also looking forward to new challenges, to face new quarterbacks and to meet other players on the field. ”
With information from Tom Withers, The Associated Press