Odds Say Ben Roethlisberger Will Not Retire After 2019 Season
- Books offering +250 line that Big Ben will retire
- Roethlisberger led the NFL in passing yards in 2018 with 5,129
- Backup QB Rudolph could potentially push the two-time Super Bowl to retirement
When Ben Roethlisberger went down with a season-ending elbow injury last weekend, many believed it could also be likely the end to a Hall of Fame worthy career for the Steelers quarterback.
Either way, it’s going to be a long road to recovery for Big Ben, who has dealt with a history of injuries, including the latest to his throwing elbow.
"Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, Eli, these guys are in tremendous shape. But none of those guys are the athlete Ben Roethlisberger is. None of them have the talent Ben does. This will be one of the biggest challenges of his career. He will respond to this." — @criscarter80 pic.twitter.com/6zYe1pbc07
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) September 17, 2019
Sportsbooks are offering a prop bet on whether or not this setback will force Roethlisberger to retire, with “No” coming in as the -400 favorite.
Even though the two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback has stated he plans to “come back stronger than ever next season,” is there any value in betting “Yes” at +250?
Will Ben Roethlisberger Retire?
| Projection | Odds |
|---|---|
| Yes | +250 |
| No | -400 |
*Odds taken 09/19/20
Roethlisberger’s decision on his playing future will be even more difficult considering he led the league in passing yards a year ago. In 2018, Big Ben played a full 16-game season for the first time since 2014 — something he’s only accomplished four times his entire career.
He had a career-best 5,129 passing yards and 34 touchdowns — many of which were to Antonio Brown in their final season together with the Steelers.
Roethlisberger released a statement earlier this week and indicated he planned to rehab and return for a 17th NFL season, but it’s far too early in the process to determine whether he will stick to that blueprint.
“I am completely determined to battle through this challenge and come back stronger than ever next season,” Roethlisberger said.
Roethlisberger’s Elbow Cause For Concern
There are a few major factors to consider before betting on this prop.
Even though Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was quoted saying there’s a “strong possibility” that Roethlisberger will bounce back next year, the six-time Pro Bowl pivot will be 38 when the 2020 season rolls around. Also, Roethlisberger’s throwing arm will be a cause for concern moving forward as there could be a risk of adding further damage to the elbow.
The other thing Roethlisberger will likely factor into his decision is whether he has anything else to prove on the field. After winning two Super Bowl rings and leading the NFL in passing yards twice in his career, will Big Ben’s heart still be in it to keep playing?
Roethlisberger’s playing future may also not be his choice depending on how young backup QB Mason Rudolph performs in his absence.
Rulolph is being pegged as the successor to Roethlisberger and a strong year could ultimately force Big Ben out of his starting job and into retirement.
We’ve seen teams move on from aging quarterbacks in the past. Just look at the New York Giants benching two-time Super Bowl champ Eli Manning to give the ball to next in line, Daniel Jones.
Betting “Yes” at +250 on Roethlisberger retiring from football is one that could pay off in the end.
Pick: Yes (+250)
Angelo Montilla is a writer, visual design instructor and graphic designer based on the East Coast. As a journalism graduate, his experience in the media industry spans more than 15 years and includes work with Nation Network, SportsBreak, Featurd, Hockey Writers and the Windsor Star.
