Ben Roethlisberger’s 17-year NFL and Pittsburgh Steelers career came to an end this past season.
It actually could’ve came one year sooner. At least that’s the way Roethlisberger sees it. Roethlisberger recently told Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that newly-retired Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert wanted him out a year ago.
“It was mostly Kevin [Colbert]. He was ready to move on,” Roethlisberger said. “I think Mike [Tomlin] was a little ready to move on, but I think he was OK with me coming back. I think Mr. [Art] Rooney really wanted me to come back last year to play. …
Roethlisberger finished his final season with 3,740 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
His final year did not end with a fairytale ending even though the team miracously made it to the postseason. Pittsburgh’s season ended with a Wild Card round defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. Roethlisberger’s play was highly scrutinized.
“I thought I went out on my terms. I never wanted to stay too long. I know some people might think I did. ‘You stayed last year.’ But I thought I played pretty well last year, to be honest. My arm feels like I still could go out and play. I’m pretty confident I could still play. But it’s every day. It’s mental. Not having to prepare for camp and the season has been the biggest blessing for me. I’m fine with where I’m at with everything.”
Pittsburgh forges ahead without Roethlisberger, replacing him with the likes of Mitchell Trubisky and local product Kenny Pickett.
