It was all an emotional setup for the Pittsburgh star Ben Roethlisberger as he entered the Heinz Field, possibly for the last time as the home quarterback. He went on to give the home fans a delight to watch as the Pittsburgh Steelers downed the Cleveland Browns by 26-14. Just like that, his tenure with the Steelers came to an end. The 39-year-old quarterback looked back and pondered on his time with the fans.
Ben has been a Steeler for the entirety of his NFL career. And as his last dance with the Steelers approaches the finish line, many believe that he will be retiring. However, there are still speculations that the veteran quarterback may join some other team during the next off-season.
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Big Ben with an emotional goodbye to the Heinz Field
After the game, when Big Ben was asked to describe the moment, the quarterback said, “I’m just so thankful to the fans, my family obviously and the good Lord has blessed me in so many ways. I wished I could have another game, I’ll be excited to go for them. But this is definitely an awesome place.“
Big Ben was emotional after possibly playing his last game at Heinz Field 💛 🖤
"I'm just so thankful for these fans and this place. There's no place like it."
(h/t @saltersl) pic.twitter.com/xJRTDAyL5v
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 4, 2022
With teary eyes and a sorrowful expression, Ben was surely not prepared to leave his “home” just yet. When asked about what Heinz Field meant to him, the Steelers star replied, “Everything… Like I said I’m so thankful and blessed to be able to call this place home for almost half my life. In front of these fans and seeing all those signs all the jerseys… to come out here I’m just so blessed an in just so thankful.“
Ben Roethlisberger tore up the Brown defense
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Big Ben finished his last game at Heinz Field with 24 passes in 46 attempts for 123 yards with one touchdown and an interception. However, he was well assisted by his running back, Najee Harris. Harris rushed the ball for 188 yards in 28 carries and a touchdown.
🗣🗣🗣 And your quarterback, from Miami (Ohio). Number 7️⃣. Ben Roethlisberger!!! pic.twitter.com/tAHJnomvwd
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 4, 2022
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It was surely an emotional adieu to the home fans, but the campaign isn’t over just yet. The Steelers still have one game left to play for the regular season. And since they are still alive for a playoff contention spot, the veteran still has a chance to make the Steelers proud.