While the Cleveland Browns celebrated a playoff win in their dressing room, the Pittsburgh Steelers quietly lamented their loss on the sidelines.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and center Maurkice Pouncey, who have spent the past 11 seasons together, shared a emotional moment after the game on an otherwise empty couch.
But it was not private. NFL Films was there to capture every word for it Within the NFL.
“I’m sorry, brother,” Roethlisberger said to Pouncey. ‘You’re the only reason I wanted to do this, man … Oh, I feel worse for you than I do. I hate it, man. “
Monday sparked speculation as to whether Pouncey had played the last game of his career. Although nothing is official yet, Steelers reports Dale Lolley reports that Pouncey is planning to retire.
Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh press after the game, “I love that guy. He’s 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. “
Sounds like Pouncey made up his mind.