Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger says he’s focused on upcoming games, not talk about his playing future

With the Steelers’ season over and the NFL’s deadline for Roethlisberger to decide on retirement at the end of this week, he is now focusing solely on his upcoming games. “That decision has been made,” said Roethlisberger in a statement released by ESPN.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he is focused on the upcoming games and not talk about his playing future.

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Ben Roethlisberger refuses to discuss his future plans.

Not right now, at least.

Roethlisberger remained tight-lipped about any intentions to finish his 18-year career in Pittsburgh at the conclusion of the 2021 season, fresh off a 20-19 comeback win against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the quarterback is discreetly informing former teammates and individuals inside the organization that he expects 2017 to be his last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“No, I haven’t told everyone,” Roethlisberger said late Sunday. “To be honest, we just finished this game, and I’m fatigued.” It seems like we’ll be playing in a couple of hours. That’s where I’m concentrating my efforts. My attention is drawn to Minnesota and the preparations that must be made.

“Any of it will be addressed after the season. I’ve always taken it one game at a time, one season at a time. That’s how I’m going to remain.”

Coach Mike Tomlin said he was unconcerned about a Ben Roethlisberger farewell tour disrupting the Steelers’ locker room for the last five games of the regular season.

Tomlin said, “There’s nothing to manage.” “Ben doesn’t let it become a problem.” Ben has been quite consistent in his indications that he’s completely focused on what we’re doing right now.

“On the other side of this voyage, he’ll deal with those things, and I’ll be there with him.”

If Sunday’s game against the Ravens at Heinz Field was actually his farewell, Roethlisberger authored a remarkable penultimate chapter in his illustrious career with the opposing franchise.

Roethlisberger’s 51st game-winning drive, which culminated in the Steelers’ first lead of the night due to Diontae Johnson’s five-yard touchdown reception and Pat Freiermuth’s two-point conversion catch, broke a tie with Tom Brady for third-most in league history.

Roethlisberger threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns on 21 of 31 attempts.

According to ESPN Stats & Information data, it was also his 57th victory in games decided by six points or less, tying Drew Brees for the most by a quarterback since 1950.

Roethlisberger stated, “I’ve been doing that for a long time.” “I’ve liked this game, especially this game, and winning at home in front of our people is incredible.”

After a stale first half in which the Steelers trailed 10-3 at halftime and had the ball for just six minutes and 30 seconds, Roethlisberger led his team to a second-half comeback, recovering from a two-interception defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals a week earlier. In the second half, he completed 13 of 18 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns.

According to ESPN Stats and Information research, Roethlisberger was extremely productive with play-action throws in the second half, finishing 6-of-7 for 117 yards and a score after going 1-of-2 for 12 yards in the first half.

“In my perspective, he plays good all of the time,” Johnson remarked. “He’ll throw a few interceptions here and there, but he’s a terrific quarterback at the end of the day. In my opinion, and I’m sure in everyone else’s, he’s a Hall of Famer. But, in the end, it’s a team game, so we all played together. We knew our ultimate aim was to win, and all we had to do now was keep going.”

Roethlisberger, who was later presented with a game ball by Tomlin in the locker room, led two fourth-quarter scoring drives, both completed by touchdown passes to Johnson, who had eight catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns.

According to ESPN’s FPI, the Steelers (6-5-1) have a 17.4 percent chance of making the playoffs with the victory, up from 9.5 percent before kickoff.

“I simply believe Ben came through when we needed a play,” defensive lineman Cam Heyward said. “The savvy to get the man offsides and reset the downs, the naked play where we got to Diontae, Chase [Claypool] making some huge plays.” The offensive line got off to a good start. Najee [Harris] began to strike the ground a little harder. Benny Snell was on his way downward.

“There were a lot of men, but Ben helped arrange everything.”