Ben Roethlisberger addresses retirement rumors

If Ben Roethlisberger’s really thinking about retirement, he’s not talking about it in Week 14. However, after the Steelers’ narrow 20-19 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Roethlisberger at least addressed the latest rumors.

“I haven’t told everybody that, no,” Roethlisberger said Sunday night. “Honestly, we just got done with this game, I’m exhausted. We play in a couple of hours, it feels like. That’s my focus. My focus is on Minnesota and what we have to do to get ready.

“I’ll address any of that stuff after the season. I’ve always been a one-game-at-a-time, one-season-at-a-time person. I’m going to stay that way.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday afternoon that Roethlisberger has privately told former teammates and some members of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization that this year will be his final season before retiring.

The NFL veteran threw 21-of-31 for 236 passing yards and two touchdowns on Saturday versus Baltimore. The win moved Pittsburgh to 6-5-1 on the year, still one game behind the Bengals.

After a quick turnaround, the Steelers take on the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football. The Vikings are 5-7 this season after giving up a loss to the Detroit Lions.

Tomlin comments on Roethlisberger’s reported retirement

Mike Tomlin and Ben Roethlisberger have developed a unique bond over the years, winning two Super Bowl titles and taking the Steelers to new heights. When asked of his quarterback’s impending retirement Sunday, Tomlin diverted attention elsewhere. Like Roethlisberger, he says that the team is focused on other things.

“Ben doesn’t allow it to become an issue,” Tomlin said. “Ben has been pretty solid in terms of his expressions that he’s singularly focused on what we’re doing now. He’ll deal with those things on the other side of his journey, and I’m with him on it. So, it’s not a distraction. I thought it was funny that it was seemingly a story this weekend, to be honest with you.”

Roethlisberger’s contract ends after the conclusion of the 2021 season. He has thrown for over 62,000 passing yards in his 18-year NFL career, which ranks sixth in NFL history.

On3’s Simon Gibbs contributed to this report.