Ben Roethlisberger has privately told former teammates and some within the Pittsburgh Steelers' organization he expects to retire at the conclusion of the 2021 season.

Roethlisberger has not made any such public proclamations and likely won't.

Both Roethlisberger and the Steelers are operating as if he this will be his final season.

Roethlisberger is 39 years old, turns 40 in March. He is also in the final season of his contract.