Ben Roethlisberger Says He’s ‘110 Percent Committed’ To Steelers For 2017 Season

Ben Roethlisberger has confirmed he is “110 percent committed” to playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017 like he had previously stated.

Ben Roethlisberger not yet retiring from steelers

The 35-year-old quarterback recently became the subject of retirement rumors, although when asked about how near he was to ending his NFL career, Big Ben simply answered: “It doesn’t matter, I’m here now.”

What is the main reason Roethlisberger chose to keep playing football?

“Honestly it doesn’t even matter. I’m happy to be back here. I’m happy to be back with the team,” the 2004 first-round pick said Tuesday, via ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “I love the city. I love these guys. I love being out here. Football is a passion of mine. It’s what I do and it’s what I love to do.”

Roethlisberger caused concern among Steelers fans when he told 92.3 The Fan in late January that he was still mulling his future with the team and “if there’s going to be a next season.”

Nevertheless, the five-time Pro Bowler then tweeted in April that the franchise would receive the “absolute best” from him next season.

Big Ben also stated he prefers making one-year deals rather over signing long-term contracts.

“I never commit to anybody more than one year,” Roethlisberger said, via the team’s official website. “I think that’s all we should always commit to with this sport. Because if we look past this year, then we’re cheating ourselves and we’re cheating other people. We need to give this year everything that we can, everything that we have because ultimately that’s what we have, right here and right now.

“I’m here on Day One. You see me out there taking every rep I’m supposed to take and then some. I actually took some of the rookies’ (reps) today. I’m 110-percent committed.”

New York Jets offensive lineman Willie Colon — who was Roethlisberger’s teammate on the Steelers from 2006 to 2012 — recently remarked the quarterback was seriously pondering retirement.

In response, Big Ben said: “What, did you think I was lying?”

Roethlisberger ranks tenth in NFL history with 46,814 passing yards and ninth in touchdowns with 301.

The Steelers finished the 2016 season 11-5 and won two playoff games. Pittsburgh will see several players return next campaign, including wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who was suspended one year in March 2016 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Roethlisberger said the team would welcome Bryant back “with open arms.”

“We have a long way to go. This is day one of many,” the quarterback said. “I like that we’ve got a lot of guys back and some guys coming back that weren’t here last year — [Bryant] and whatnot. You have to be excited about the people we have here.”

In other NFL news, the 2018 Pro Bowl is set to be held in Orlando for the second consecutive year, after a successful game in the Florida city in 2017. The Pro Bowl will be televised on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, and simulcast on ABC, marking the first time it will air on both broadcast and cable networks.

PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 25: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass in the first half during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 25, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)