Ben Roethlisberger: Steelers GM Kevin Colbert tried pushing me out of Pittsburgh

Ben Roethlisberger ultimately hung up his cleats in January, retiring after an 18-year NFL career. 

Had former Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert had his way, Roethlisberger, 40, may have retired a year sooner. 

“It was mostly Kevin,” Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, explaining management’s apparent plan to move on. “I think (coach) Mike (Tomlin) was a little ready to move on, but I think he was OK with me coming back. I think (owner) Mr. (Art) Rooney really wanted me to come back last year to play.” 

Colbert had been a prominent part of the Steelers’ organization in some capacity since 2000, most recently holding the joint title of vice president and general manager. He retired this season, coinciding with Roethlisberger’s exit. 

Roethlisberger remained with the Steelers in 2021 after agreeing to restructure his contract, which originally carried a $41.2 million cap hit. He proceeded to start 16 games and threw for 22 touchdowns. 

“I thought I went out on my terms,” the six-time Pro-Bowler said. “I never wanted to stay too long. I know some people might think I did. ‘You stayed last year.’ But I thought I played pretty well last year, to be honest. My arm feels like I still could go out there and play. I’m pretty confident I could still play. But it’s every day. It’s mental. Not having to prepare for camp and the season has been the biggest blessing for me. I’m fine with where I’m at with everything.”

As the post-Roethlisberger era begins at Steelers’ training camp, Mitch Trubisky appears to be the favorite to become QB1. Trubisky – who began his career with the Chicago Bears after they selected him 2nd overall in the 2017 NFL Draft – will battle Kenny Pickett, a University of Pittsburgh standout selected in the first round in this year’s NFL Draft, for the role.