Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger deflects question about retirement report: ‘My focus is on Minnesota’

Ben Roethlisberger is still not ready to commit this to be his final season with the Steelers.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday that Roethlisberger had told members of the Steelers organization that 2021 will be his last season in Pittsburgh. That’s why the 39-year-old midfielder will consider retiring after the season ends; he is in the final year of his contract and his play has declined in recent years.

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When asked about his future following the Steelers’ 20-19 win over Raven on Sunday, Roethlisberger said he would talk about it later. Right now, he said, he’s just thinking about the next game.

“I haven’t told people that yet,” he said with a laugh. “Honestly, we just finished playing this game. I’m exhausted. We played for a couple of hours, that feels like my focus. I’m focused on Minnesota. Thursday night) and what we have to do to get ready. I’ll deal with any of those after the season. I’ve always been a one game, one season at a time player.”

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So if Roethlisberger had made a decision about his future, he would have kept it for his mother.

Why can he do that? Perhaps he doesn’t want to be a distraction, though Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has shown no concern about that possibility.

“Nothing to manage. Ben doesn’t allow it to become a problem,” Tomlin said Sunday post. “It’s not a distraction. I think it’s funny how it seems to be a story this week, to be honest with you.”

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Tomlin may know more than he is allowing, but the point is moot. Crucially, the Steelers plan to continue starting Roethlisberger this season. That is their focus right now.

Perhaps Roethlisberger and the Steelers will hint about his future if the Steelers slip out of the playoff race, but for now, Big Ben and the Steelers are heading to Minnesota.