Ben Roethlisberger will turn 38 in a few weeks and is recovering from a major elbow injury that required surgery, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are confident the star quarterback is not approaching the finish line of his career.
Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert provided a positive update about Roethlisberger’s rehab on Thursday and said he believes Big Ben could be better in 2020 than he was this past season.
Kevin Colbert confirms Ben Roethlisberger's Feb. 21 checkup date for his elbow. Says team's medical staff has been constantly working with Roethlisberger. "All signs are good at this point," for recovery. Said Roethlisberger could be better than he was a year ago #Steelers #dkps
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) February 13, 2020
That sounds somewhat realistic, but Colbert’s response to a follow-up question about Roethlisberger was a bit less believable. The GM was asked if he thinks Big Ben is nearing the end of his career and noted that Eli Manning is only a year older and just retired. Colbert said the Steelers don’t think Roethlisberger is “at the end of the road.”
I asked Colbert about any caution with Roethlisberger regarding what has happened Manning and Rivers: "We don't think Ben is near there yet. We don't think he's at the end of the road."#Steelers #dkps
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) February 13, 2020
Roethlisberger may not be at the end of the road, but he’s certainly getting very close. While he had arguably his best NFL season in 2018 with 5,129 yards, 34 touchdowns and 16 interceptions, he has already openly contemplated retirement. Legendary coach Bill Parcells once said if a player is thinking about retiring he is already retired, so where does that leave Roethlisberger?
Perhaps Roethlisberger will be motivated to prove he can return from a major injury and still play at a high level, which is something he has already hinted at. However, it would be a shock if he plays into his 40s like Tom Brady. Steelers fans should enjoy Big Ben while they still have him.
