PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 02: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to taking on the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 02, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Ben Roethlisberger had the perfect quote to get Steelers fans fired up before the team’s playoff opener.
Ben Roethlisberger still has one year remaining on his contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But there is no guarantee at this point he will want to suit up for one more year.
Roethlisberger’s Steelers are in the postseason once again and will begin with a rare playoff showdown against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns are dealing with COVID issues and the Steelers have faced similar problems throughout the season.
The veteran quarterback was able to stay home and rest in Week 17. Now he faces what could be his final game ever, or even just his final postseason game. Roethlisberger said as much himself in a quote that should get Steelers fans pumped for Sunday.
Roethlisberger is ready to play
The Steelers have faced both on and off-the-field issues in 2020. Distractions such as JuJu Smith-Schuster dancing on logos have cast a shadow over what began as an 11-0 season. That great start helped the team win the AFC North and they know the real season begins this week.
This is going to be a much different team once Roethlisberger decides to retire. Fans are now cherishing every game he has left and it is possible Sunday is his last. That would involve leaving a lot of money on the table, but anything is possible.
The Steelers are still favorites against the short-handed Browns and a loss would be shocking. This extra motivation Roethlisberger has will only work to his benefit. Him and fans just have to hope all his teammates show up with the same passion after a loss this past Sunday in Cleveland. Anything less may result in a loss that ends not only the season, but an era in Pittsburgh.