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Ben Roethlisberger: 'I Contemplated Not Playing Anymore'

Oct 8, 2010 – 9:57 AM
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FanHouse Staff

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Ben Roethlisberger's suspension is over, meaning he's returned to Steelers practice.

It also means that now's the time for the Roethlisberger PR team to go into high gear, setting the quarterback up with media exposure as he tries to get into people's homes and change the public perception surrounding him after two sexual assault controversies.

He filmed an interview with ESPN that aired Thursday, and it contained a surprising admission: Roethlisberger thought about retiring.

"There was a time when I was going through all this that I contemplated not playing anymore. I didn't want to be Big Ben anymore. And I know that's what goes along with being No. 7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers," Roethlisberger said on NFL Live. "So part of me, I can admit didn't want to play anymore. And go coach or do something else."

Roethlisberger credited the love of the game and his teammates' support in his decision to return. Roethsliberger's first game of the season will be on Oct. 17 against the Browns.
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