WATCH: Ben Roethlisberger gets emotional during postgame interview after potential final home win

The Pittsburgh Steelers still have a shot at the playoffs this year. But the postseason took a back seat to Monday night’s win over Cleveland as Ben Roethlisberger might have played his last game at Heinz Field.

Roethlisberger previously said the game “could be” his last home game. It sure had that feeling, with “Thanks Ben” signs around the stadium during the Steelers’ 26-14 win over the Browns.

But after Najee Harris broke off a late touchdown run, Roethlisberger got to do something he didn’t think he’d get to do. He got the Steelers into the victory formation. That’s when it all started to hit him.

An emotional Ben Roethlisberger on his final game in Pittsburgh.

(via @ESPN) pic.twitter.com/lT898HjDeE

— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2022

“I didn’t think I was going to take the field again,” Roethlisberger said during his postgame interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters. “It’s the best play in football when you’re an offensive player: to take a knee. I’m glad I got to do it one last time.”

But when did the emotions start setting in?

“Probably about now,” Roethlisberger said. “Just the end of it. Having a chance to go back out there. I don’t know. I’m at a loss for words. I’m just so thankful for these fans and this place. There’s no place like it.”

Roethlisberger went 24 for 46 for 123 yards, a touchdown and an interception in the game. Harris had a huge day, though, rushing for 188 yards and that late touchdown to help lead the Steelers to victory and keep the playoff hopes alive.

So it wasn’t the prettiest win in the world, but it could mark the end of an era. Roethlisberger won 98 games at Heinz Field — and he’ll never forget that place.

“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 the signs and all the jerseys,” Roethlisberger said. “To come out here. I don’t know. I’ve been so blessed and I’m just so thankful.”