A Former Steelers OL Says QB Ben Roethlisberger Really Considered Retiring

Although pretty much nobody expected Ben Roethlisberger to actually retire this offseason, apparently Big Ben himself seriously considered it, Alex Iniguez of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

This according to Willie Colon, the former Steelers offensive lineman and seven-season Roethlisberger teammate. Colon told Pro Football Talk that he sat down with Roethlisberger, who told him that injuries are at the forefront of his thinking.

Colon said the current offensive line will have a lot to do with that — can it help the 35-year-old quarterback stay upright and relatively unharmed? If so, Roethlisberger could have a few years left in him.

“He’s passionate about playing, but one thing that keeps his fire going is that offensive line,” Colon said.

Ostensibly, another thing that keeps his fire going is being surrounded by some of the most potent offensive weapons in the NFL, namely Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell.