STEELERS LEGEND BEN ROETHLISBERGER GETS HONEST ABOUT NFL RETURN
The return of Philip Rivers to the Indianapolis Colts has other retired quarterbacks contemplating their own potential comeback to the league.
Rivers started and played throughout his team’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, nearly guiding them to victory. However, kicker Jason Myers went six-of-six on field goals, including the game-winner, in his team’s 18-16 win.
Since the news of Rivers’ return, multiple retired NFL stars have been outspoken about wanting to return or about being unable to physically compete at their age, including Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and Cam Newton. Now, Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has entered the discussion.
He famously suited up for the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading the team to multiple playoff runs and two championships in 2006 and 2009, and racking up over 64,000 passing yards and 400-plus touchdowns.
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Interestingly, he and Rivers both got drafted in the same year, and now one of them has unretired. How about the other?
The Steelers legend officially retired in 2022 and is now 43, just a year younger than Rivers. Roethlisberger reiterated his retirement plans, making it clear he wouldn’t give it a go after several years away from the league.
That is, unless he could remain completely stationary and have adequate protection from approaching NFL defenders.
“Let me tell you, my right arm still works, but it’s the rest of my body I’m worried about,” he said, per Underdog NFL.
Big Ben was healthy throughout most of his career, with 2019 being one of his roughest outings. He played in only two games due to suffering a severe shoulder injury in Week 2, resulting in season-ending surgery. However, reports are suggesting he’s the first player to return after tearing three flexor tendons in his throwing arm.
He played for two more seasons before officially retiring and enjoying a life post-football.
Rivers’ comeback occurred after several years away from the NFL. It will include several more games in a season that quickly went downhill for the Colts. He stepped in to replace starter Daniel Jones, who suffered an unfortunate injury in the team’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars several weeks ago.
His performance against the Seahawks included 120 yards, a touchdown, and an interception on 18 of 27 completions. He also got sacked once for a two-yard loss. While some laughed about Rivers returning or suggested he’d be a mockery, he’s giving the Colts a chance to compete as they await Jones’ return for a healthier next season.
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2025-12-16T01:28:45Z