In a time when the NFL’s alleged most prioritized concern in player safety and how that’s being conveyed to future generations to keep the sport we love alive, Monday Night Football’s game between the Steelers and Bengals may have been it’s antithesis.
The AFC North matchup that’s usually testy was more violent than anticipated, featuring hits that left two players suspended and one still left in the hospital.
On Tuesday, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethisberger spoke on his weekly radio show on 93.7 FM, of course talking about teammate Ryan Shazier and the serious spinal injury he suffered during the first quarter.
“People get all over me for saying you have to contemplate every year on if you want to keep going,” Roethlisberger said. “Plays like this make you really evaluate things. That’s why I say it’s a smart thing to do. It’s a violent game. And this game (against the Bengals) always seems to be that way. It’s crazy this sport we play.”
The 35-year-old QB, who considered retiring before the season gave some reasoning for his hesitation, saying, “When we talked in the offseason about evaluating and making sure, these are the reasons. Having kids…I hope my son plays golf. If he wants to play football, that’s fine, too. But it’s a tough sport. It’s not for everyone. If he wants to do it, I’ll encourage it. If he doesn’t, I’m just fine with that as well.
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