There are indications that this could be it for Ben Roethlisberger.
The Steelers quarterback is expected to end his time with the franchise after this season, ESPN is reporting, and he has even told teammates and members of the organization that is his plan.
The future Hall of Famer hasn’t spoken publicly about this as the 5-5-1 Steelers make a run for the playoffs. But according to ESPN, Roethlisberger is down to his final five regular season games with the Steelers.
Pittsburgh has a home game on Sunday against rival Baltimore, who wits atop the AFC North at 8-3. One source told ESPN that Roethlisberger had said to him he didn’t want to play for another franchise other than Pittsburgh and called it “unlikely” the QB would service elsewhere without completely ruling it out.
Former Steelers stars Rocky Bleier and Ryan Clark publicly criticized both the current state of the team and Roethlisberger, claiming “it’s time” for Big Ben to hang up the cleats.
The 39-year-old quarterback is in his 18th season in the league and turns 40 next March. His 410 career touchdown passes are the most in Steelers history, and eighth all-time in NFL history. His 62,870 passing yards are sixth and his 161 career wins are fifth. He has won two Super Bowls, been selected to six Pro Bowls and was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2004.
