Is Ben Roethlisberger Retiring? Pittsburgh Steelers’ Quarterback Might Not Return For 2017 NFL Season

After losing to the New England Patriots in the 2017 AFC Championship Game, there’s at least a chance that Ben Roethlisberger has played his final NFL game. In an interview Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback would not commit to returning next season.

“I’m going to take this offseason to evaluate, to consider all options,” Ben told “The Cook and Poni Show” on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh. “To consider health, and family and things like that and just kind of take some time away to evaluate next season, if there’s going to be a next season.”

When Roethlisberger was asked if he would be back for the 2017 NFL season, he didn’t give a definitive answer.

“I’m going to take some time and evaluate with my family and just do a lot of praying about it and make sure it’s the right thing for me and my family.”

If Roethlisberger does decide to call it quits, it won’t be because he can’t perform at a high level anymore. After throwing 29 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions in 14 games, the quarterback made the Pro Bowl for a third straight year and the fifth time in his career.

The Steelers won their final seven regular-season games to win the AFC North, and they defeated the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. They lost by 19 points in New England, falling just shy of reaching Super Bowl LI.

Roethlisberger, 34, would almost certainly make the Hall of Fame, even if he retires this offseason. He’s reached the Super Bowl three times while winning two championships, making the playoffs on nine separate occasions.

Roethlisberger’s career has been highlighted by injuries, and the 2016 season was no different. He missed a game after suffering a torn meniscus, though the injury was expected to sideline him for multiple weeks. The quarterback has played all 16 games just three times since being drafted in 2004.

Roethlisberger has three years left on his contract, which he signed in 2015 and is worth at least $99 million.