Ben Roethlisberger is still the starting QB for the Pittsburgh Steelers and many believe that this will be Big Ben’s farewell year. But Steelers president Art Rooney II is not confirming that this will be Roesthlisbergers last year.
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It’s no secret Big Ben is growing old, and along with that comes his lack of mobility. Even though he did throw 33 passing touchdowns and completed 65.6% of his passes last season, his health is a major problem. And at 38, Roethlisberger may be on the final chapter of his NFL career.
Roethlisberger’s contract is up following the 2021-22 season. The Steelers are giving him one last ride with hopes he can have a successful final season. It’s too soon to say whether or not this will actually be his last year in Pittsburgh.
Art Rooney II spoke about Ben Roethlisberger’s future
Roethlisberger, 39, signed a new contract with the Steelers in the spring, taking a $5 million pay cut and lowering his salary-cap hit by more than $15 million. Just so that he could help out the team for another year at centre.
“We’re aware this could be Ben’s last year,” he said. “We hope it’s a great one. That’s as far as we can go with it right now. Obviously, if this is his last year, then next year we’ll be making decisions on a quarterback, and we’ll address it as the time comes up. Yeah, it’s not written in stone that this is his last year.”
Rooney was asked if he sees anything different in Roethlisberger, a sense of urgency knowing that he is reaching the later part of his career.
“I think there’s a sense of urgency, however you want to say it,” said Rooney. “I think Ben recognizes that this at least could be his last year, and I think he wants to make sure that if it is, he goes out on a high note.”
president Art Rooney II makes it clear Ben Roethlisberger can stay as long as he wants https://t.co/DSwLYN3e57 pic.twitter.com/zwoWJBnWwb
— SteelTownUsa® (@SteelTownUsa) August 3, 2021
Roethlisberger himself also won’t look beyond the 2021 season.
“I’m going to approach this like I do every season — like it’s my last,” he said in June. “I think that’s the approach you have to take. And you don’t approach it that way because it could be your last, but you approach it because every single play in the game of football could be your last. Every game could be your last game. That just means I’m going out to give it everything I have.
