Pittsburgh Steelers: Is this the final chapter in the Ben Roethlisberger era?
Arguably the greatest quarterback in Pittsburgh Steelers history could only have one season left.
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The 2016 season had barely ended and already people were speculating if Ben Roethlisberger was contemplating retirement. Unlike other off-season debates, this one was fueled by comments that came straight from the horse’s mouth.
During a local radio interview, Roethlisberger admitted he was going to take the off-season to “evaluate” his career.
In an article published by Foxsports, a quote from Roethlisberger’s interview made the Steel City’s future with its grizzled vet appear bleak.
“I’m going to take this offseason to evaluate, to consider all options,” Roethlisberger said. “To consider health, and family and things like that and just kind of take some time away to evaluate next season, if there’s going to be a next season.”
By now, it’s clear there is going to be a next season, Roethlisberger’s 14th to be exact. But the question will linger throughout the course of the season for the Steelers, “Will this be Big Ben’s grand finale?”
Nobody can fault the guy for at least pondering retirement. He has been broken, beat and scared for the better part of his professional tenure. Ben has been injured 13 different times in his career, a very steep number for a 35-year-old quarterback. Among active signal callers, Roethlisberger ranks among the tops in the league when it comes to the possibility of experiencing another injury with a 17% chance.
Despite the health concerns, Roethlisberger has played in at least 12 games every season he has been in the league, and has put together seven seasons of 15 games or better. Currently, he also has the ninth highest passer rating in NFL history sitting at an impressive 92.59.
Since entering the NFL in 2004, Big Ben has played in a career total of 185 games which ranks him as the fourth quarterback on the games played list among active quarterbacks. The names above him on the list: Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Eli Manning aren’t necessarily known for their mobility and/or escapability. Something Roethlisberger takes pride in and is well known for.
If Le’Veon Bell can stay healthy for a few full seasons, it will undoubtedly do wonders for Roethlisberger’s career longevity. A sound run game is an NFL quarterback’s best friend.
Another key factor that will help keep Ben upright and continue to point his career’s trajectory toward Canton? His offensive line. After ranking third among all offensive lines last season and allowing the second-fewest sacks per game, the Steelers line is doing its best to extend Roethlisbereger’s career, but he needs to realize he isn’t a young man anymore and either lay down and play dead like Brady and Manning or check down much sooner.
The one thing that’s certain about Pittsburgh’s future is they need to find an heir to the throne. Sure, count Ben in this season and possibly a few more, but what incentive does he have to win at 35 years old?
He already owns two Super Bowl rings, has made five Pro Bowls and holds nearly every record at quarterback for Pittsburgh. He also will likely be competing against Tom Brady for the remainder of his career, regardless of how long that is, making winning another title a tall task.
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One word of advice for the Steeler faithful – enjoy every season like it’s the last. Don’t be the fan that didn’t realize what he or she had until it was gone. We are watching a living legend play his final years of football with possibly his most talented roster yet. Sit back, relax and enjoy watching one of the best to ever do it Here We Go Nation, who knows how much longer number seven will be shaking off would-be tacklers and leading the Steel City to greatness.