Roethlisberger says retirement remains an option after 2017 season

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says he's taking his career year by year after mulling retirement this offseason.

Roethlisberger told Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he isn't planning beyond this season and reiterated that retiring after 2017 is on the table.

"Age," Roethlisberger answered when asked why he has a new perspective on his career. "It's just, it's 14 years; that's a long time. I think the average life expectancy in the NFL is three years, maybe three and a half now."

Roethlisberger, who turned 35 in March, also said his wife wants him to give up football.

The quarterback has suffered (and played through) numerous injuries in recent seasons. He also referenced a recent study on CTE and a desire to spend more time with his kids as reasons he's now contemplating hanging up his cleats.

Regardless of what he decides after the season, Roethlisberger pledged to make his 2017 campaign count.

"I feel if I commit to anything past right now, I'm cheating now," he said. "I'm looking forward to this season, and I’m going to give it everything I have and afterward we’ll sit down and do some (thinking) again."