Is that how Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers end up?
The Pittsburgh quarterback wept with longtime teammate Maurkice Pouncey at the end of the 48-37 loss with team wildcards against the Browns on Sunday night. Roethlisberger and Pouncey remained on the bench for 10 minutes after the Steelers ’defeat, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
“I love this guy (Pouncey),” Roethlisberger said. “He is one of the best competitors and teammates I have ever had. It has been a lot of fun to share a football field with him. I hate that it ended the same way. I just wanted to apologize for wanting to win him over. ”
Attention is now moving toward the 38-year-old NFL future after a season of ups and downs.
“It’s going to start between me and God,” Roethlisberger told reporters. “A lot of prayer. And a lot of conversation with my family. I still have one year left on my contract. I hope the Steelers want me back if we go that way. “
It is an expensive decision. Roethlisberger is owed a $ 15 million bonus on March 19 and his biggest hit of the season is $ 41.3 million. The Steelers started 11-0 this season, but lost four of their last five games before the failure of Sunday night’s playoffs.
Roethlisberger threw 501 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions as the Steelers tried to extract a 28-0 first-quarter deficit against the Browns.
“It’s totally possible,” said Cam Heyward, a defensive veteran when asked if the Steelers could be completely different next season.
“I could leave next year. I don’t know what to expect. We are in unfamiliar territory, to say the least. Changes need to be made. “