BAD NEWS UPPON BAD NEWS FOR THE STEELERS: HE IS GONE...

Ben Roethlisberger emotional as Steelers face costly decision

Ben Roethlisberger and Maurkice Pouncey on Steelers bench

Is this the conclusion for Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers?

The Pittsburgh quarterback was visibly emotional alongside longtime teammate Maurkice Pouncey following the team’s 48-37 wild-card loss to the Browns on Sunday night. Roethlisberger and Pouncey remained seated on the bench for a significant period after the Steelers’ defeat, as reported by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Expressing his sentiments, Roethlisberger stated, “I love that guy (Pouncey). He is one of the best competitors and teammates I’ve ever had. It’s been so much fun to share a football field with him. I hate that it ended the way it did. I just wanted to apologize to him that I wanted to win it for him.”

Attention is now directed towards the 38-year-old quarterback’s NFL future after a season marked by fluctuations. “It’s going to start between me and God,” Roethlisberger remarked to reporters. “Lot of praying. And a lot of talking with my family. I still have a year left on my contract. I hope the Steelers want me back if that’s the way we go.”

However, it’s a significant decision to make. Roethlisberger is set to receive a $15 million roster bonus on March 19, with a cap hit of $41.3 million for the season. Despite starting the season strongly with an 11-0 record, the Steelers faltered, losing four of their final five games before their playoff exit on Sunday night.

Roethlisberger’s performance in the playoff game against the Browns saw him throw for 501 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions as the Steelers attempted to overcome a 28-0 first-quarter deficit.

Reflecting on the future, veteran defensive end Cam Heyward acknowledged the possibility of significant changes for the team next season, stating, “It’s totally possible… Changes have to be made.”