Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger gave his first public acknowledgment that he may be walking away from the game of football by electing to retire following the 2021 season. On Thursday, Roethlisberger said that Monday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns could very well be his final game at Heinz Field.

Said Roethlisberger: “I don’t ever speak in definites or guarantees. That’s just not what I’ve ever done or who I am. But looking at the bigger picture, I would say that all signs are pointing that this could be it.”  The Steelers are set to finish out the regular season on the road in Baltimore in Week 18.   Unless the Steelers find themselves in the playoffs with a late-season rally, Monday night’s game against the Browns would likely be the final time Roethlisberger will play.

Roethlisberger said Thursday:  “I’ve always been one that has fulfilled my obligation to the team with contracts. I don’t have a contract next season, so I guess the writing was on the wall from [the front office], but kind of all of us together. I wouldn’t say that I have my mind made up by any means, but I have my mind made up that this season I was going to give it everything I have to try and win a Super Bowl.”

Roethlisberger has spent his entire career with the Steelers, leading them to two Super Bowl titles over his 18-year career. Currently, he is the Steelers’ all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns.

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