While Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has yet to say publicly that he’s fully committed to playing in 2017, many people obviously believe that’s his plan.
On Friday, Roethlisberger was asked if he’s coming back for the 2017 season during his speaking appearance at the Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and after a little urging from the crowd Roethlisberger responded.
“I’m leaning towards it,” the Steelers quarterback said while smiling.
Roethlisberger’s response is really the biggest commitment that he’s made to playing in 2017 since hinting after the Steelers playoff loss to the New England Patriots that might decide to retire. Roethlisberger has since had a few conversations with the Steelers since making those remarks on his radio show and everybody believes he’ll indeed be back in 2017.
Roethlisberger would be turning his back on $12 million in 2017, $17 million in 2018, and $17 million in 2019 should he decide to retire now. Additionally, he’d potentially owe the Steelers $18.6 million in signing bonus money that’s been paid to him if he retires now.
Nick Bonnett posted Roethlisberger’s Friday speaking appearance on his Facebook page in two parts and if you have some free time on this Saturday it’s worth watching and listening to. Roethlisberger gets emotional a few times during his talk and testimony that includes him recalling his early playing days in high school, college and in the NFL.
