Mike Tomlin ‘not alarmed’ by Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement talk
Ben Roethlisberger dropped a major bombshell Tuesday by refusing to commit to playing next season. While the 34-year-old quarterback’s hint at potential retirement may have been shocking to some, it didn’t impact Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in the same way.
Tomlin’s thoughts on the topic via a series of tweets from Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Tomlin: Ben said it so you do take it seriously. I'm not alarmed by it, that's football. Obviously, I'm hopeful he returns.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 24, 2017
Tomlin: Not surprised by that thought process by Ben. We'll react and plan accordingly. We haven't met yet. He's one of last I meet with
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 24, 2017
This is not the first time MIke Tomlin said he's heard Ben indicate he might not come back for the following season.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 24, 2017
Roethlisberger obviously has enjoyed a Hall of Fame-caliber career, winning two Super Bowls while experiencing countless accolades. At the same time, while still more than capable of performing at an elite level, Roethlisberger has endured a punishing career with countless injuries, each one providing an opportunity to prove yet again his renowned toughness and remarkably quick healing ability.
With all that in mind, it’s not surprising Big Ben is thinking about the end of his NFL career. While his comments Tuesday hinted that in all likelihood he’ll return for the 2017 NFL season, contemplating retirement is understandable for Roethlisberger.
It also makes sense for Tomlin to point out that the Steelers better start preparing for the post-Roethlisberger era sooner rather than later.
Tomlin on Ben's possible retirement: Potential for replacing QB is "extremely significant"
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) January 24, 2017
Tomlin nevertheless seems to understand that while Roethlisberger’s retirement is inevitable, anything the veteran signal-caller says in the days following a heartbreaking playoff loss needs to be put in its proper perspective.
