During an appearance with Mark Madden of 105.9 The X on Tuesday, Ben Roethlisberger said he had conversation with the San Francisco 49ers about coming out of retirement during the 2022 season.

The 49ers lost Trey Lance in Week 2, then later in the year Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a foot injury and rookie Brock Purdy was thrust into a starting role.

"They were, I think, reaching out maybe just to gauge my interest," Roethlisberger said. "I had discussions. ... I'd be lying if I didn't say there was a small part of me that was intrigued. I could still do it and prove to people that I could still play. At the end of the day, I just can't see myself in anything other than black and gold."