WATCH: Ben Roethlisberger discusses potential retirement, final game in Heinz Field

The Ben Roethlisberger era has been epic for the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, all signs point to it coming to an end as the 2021 seasons come to a close.

In Week 17, the Steelers welcome the Cleveland Browns to Heinz Field on Monday Night Football. Fittingly, it could also be the final home game for Roethlisberger. In primetime against a team he’s owned in his career, the two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback could watch the terrible towels wave one final time.

Prior to the showdown, Roethlisberger addressed the elephant in the room.

Ben Roethlisberger won’t speak in definites, but he says “all signs” are pointing that “this could be it” his last game — at least regular season — at Heinz Field. pic.twitter.com/9jlhR99Kty

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 30, 2021

“I don’t ever speak in definites or guarantees, that’s just not what I’ve ever done or who I am,” started Roethlisberger. “But, looking at the bigger picture — all signs are pointing to this could be it. Regular season that is. I know we still have a chance to potentially get a playoff game there if things fall our way. We take care of business, and things have to happen.

“But, in the grand scheme of things, in terms of regular season — signs are pointing that way. This could be it.”

As you can see, Roethlisberger’s comments read like a man who knows this could be his swan song. After making a career in Pittsburgh, the beloved Steelers quarterback has at least one final chance to end his time on a high note.

When the Steelers were dismantled by the Browns in the playoffs last season, Roethlisberger knew he had to return next season. Now, he has one final chance to avenge last season’s loss, and keep the season alive for the Steelers.

More on Ben Roethlisberger, NFL career

Ben Roethlisberger became the next Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback on April 24th, 2004 — the night he was drafted. The franchise was looking for their next leader, and a quarterback from Miami (OH) was chosen with the 11th overall pick.

In his first season, Roethlisberger got off to a roaring start. The quarterback won the 2004 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, beating out fellow quarterbacks Eli Manning and Phillip Rivers as the recipient.

Then, his status was cemented when he led the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory in just his second professional season. Roethlisberger would go on to win a second Super Bowl, and make it to a third.

While he could sling it as good as anyone, Roethlisberger will forever be remembered for his toughness. Until recently, the quarterback rarely missed games — playing through painful injuries and earning the nickname ‘Big Ben.’

Father Time comes for all NFL players eventually, and Ben Roethlisberger’s time is coming to an end. On Monday, the Steelers will give him a proper send-off. A tribute fit for the player who embodied the Pittsburgh Steelers through and through.