KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn’t use the word “retirement” following Pittsburgh’s season-ending 42-21 playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs but called his 18-year career with the franchise “an honor” and said he’s “looking forward” to the next chapter.
Roethlisberger and the Steelers didn’t get the happy ending they had hoped for to cap his 18-year career during Sunday night’s AFC wild-card showdown at Arrowhead Stadium, one in which he finished 29-of-44 passing for 215 yards and two second-half touchdowns after the game had long been decided.
Afterward, most involved acted, and spoke, as if they had seen Roethlisberger play for the final time for the only team whose uniform he has worn in his NFL career.
“Man he was [No.] 7, it’s been an honor and a pleasure, man,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.
Describing his emotions coming out of the game and walking off the field, Roethlisberger said, “Yeah it’s tough, but I’m proud to play with these guys. God has blessed me with an ability to throw a football and has blessed me to play in the greatest city, in Pittsburgh with the greatest fans and the greatest football team and players. And it has just been truly a blessing, and I’m so thankful to Him for the opportunity that He’s given me.
“Just a bunch of guys that fought for each other, that fought their butts off and just competed. It wasn’t always pretty, but there are a lot of games that we found a way. I’m so proud of this group of men and the way they fight for each other, for the black and gold, for our fans. It’s just been an honor to play with them.”
Just after the clock wound down to 0:00, Roethlisberger shared a moment on the field with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who finished the night with 404 yards and five touchdowns.
“Such a good football player,” Roethlisberger said. “[Just a] lot of respect. [He] said he’s got to get a jersey, and I said ‘I need one, too.'”
Likewise, Mahomes described Roethlisberger as…
Source : espn
