Is this how it ends for Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers?
The Pittsburgh quarterback was in tears with longtime teammate Maurkice Pouncey at the end of the team’s 48-37 wildcard loss against the Browns on Sunday night. Roethlisberger and Pouncey were left on the bench for 10 minutes after the Steelers defeat, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.
“I love that man (Pouncey),” said Roethlisberger. “He is one of the best competitors and teammates I’ve ever had. It was so nice to share a soccer field with him. I hate it ended like this. I just wanted to apologize to him for winning it over for him. “
Attention is now shifting to the 38-year-old’s NFL future after an up-and-down season.
“It will start between me and God,” Roethlisberger told reporters. Pray a lot. And talk a lot with my family. I still have one year on my contract. I hope the Steelers want me back when we go like this. “
It’s a costly decision. Roethlisberger is due a roster bonus of $ 15 million on March 19 and his maximum hit for the season is $ 41.3 million. The Steelers started 11-0 this season, but lost four of their last five games before Sunday night’s playoff flop.
Roethlisberger threw for 501 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions while Steelers tried to dig out a 28-0 deficit of the first quarter against Browns.
“It is entirely possible,” said veteran defender Cam Heyward when asked if the Steelers can be completely different next season.
‘I could be gone next year. I don’t know what to expect. We are in unknown territory, to say the least. Changes need to be made. “