Ben Roethlisberger turned 34 on March 2.
Now, as March draws to a close, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said that the prime of Roethlisberger’s career should consist of “three to four more good years” according to ESPN.com.
There is nothing groundbreaking in the NFL about a quarterback remaining productive into his late 30s.
Tom Brady won his fourth Super Bowl at 37 and led the league with 36 touchdown passes last season at 38. Peyton Manning set an NFL record with 55 touchdown passes at 37. Drew Brees led the NFL with 4,870 passing yards last year at age 36.
It’s reasonable for the Steelers to expect Roethlisberger to remain an elite quarterback for another four years. The only caveat is his health. He’s been sacked 439 times, more than any active quarterback. Tom Brady is second on that list with 402 sacks, but he’s played three more years. Brees has been sacked 331 times and Manning was sacked 303 times.
Roethlisberger had been able to shake off the beatings he’s taken in his career until 2015. He missed four starts with a sprained MCL and was knocked out of another game with a foot injury. He also suffered a separated shoulder in the playoffs.
If Roethlisberger’s body becomes more injury-prone as he ages, it might be tough for the Steelers to squeeze another three or four prime years out of him.
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