A Pittsburgh Steelers fan holds a sign for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger before their game against the Cleveland Browns on Monday night at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) takes the field before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
A Pittsburgh Steelers fan is seen with a sign for Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger takes the field before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
A Pittsburgh Steelers fan is seen with a sign for Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger runs on the field during player introductions prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
A Pittsburgh Steelers fan holds a sign referring to Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger runs on the field during player introductions prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
A Pittsburgh Steelers fan holds up a sign for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the first half an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looks on from the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) runs the ball past Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Malik McDowell (58) in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looks on at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) gets a pass away as Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) pressures him in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks with cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) dives for, but doesn’t catch, a pass as Cleveland Browns defensive back Grant Delpit (22) defends during the first half an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) twirls to the ground after missing a diving catch attempt against the Cleveland Browns during the first half an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the first half an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the first half an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates after sacking Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt reacts after a sack during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski looks on during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs away from Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) on a long run in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (23) on a long run in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) tries to get loose from Cleveland Browns middle linebacker Malcolm Smith (56) during the first half an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger throws a pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool (11) is hit by Cleveland Browns cornerback M.J. Stewart (36) as he runs with the ball in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reaches for an incomplete pass during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Ahkello Witherspoon of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes an interception during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Ahkello Witherspoon of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after an interception during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Najee Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
J.C. Hassenauer #60, Najee Harris #22 and Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger passes the ball in the third quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
David Njoku of the Cleveland Browns catches the ball for a touchdown against Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter of the game at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) makes a touchdown catch as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (23) defends during the second half an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looks to throw the ball in the third quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns high-fives teammate Jadeveon Clowney in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Greg Newsome II of the Cleveland Browns breaks up a pass meant for Chase Claypool #11 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) rushes with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Austin Hooper of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Derrek Tuszka #48 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a sack with teammate Isaiahh Loudermilk #92 in the fourth quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) breaks past Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) on his way to a touchdown during the second half an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 26-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (93) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) in the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, right, sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the second half an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski watches as his team plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) breaks a run away from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during the second half an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins (82) makes a touchdown catch past Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (23) during the second half an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 26-14. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II (20) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) during the second half an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris carries the ball in the fourth quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looks on after his final game at Heinz Field where he defeated the Cleveland Browns 26-14 on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger celebrates a touchdown with teammate Pat Freiermuth #88 in the fourth quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin greets quarterback Ben Roethlisberger after Najee Harris scored a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the second half an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 26-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger reacts on the bench after his final game
at Heinz Field where he defeated the Cleveland Browns 26-14 on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger waves to the crowd after his final game at Heinz Field where he defeated the Cleveland Browns 26-14 on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and team owner Art Rooney II talk after Roethlisberger’s final game at Heinz Field against the Cleveland Browns on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 26-14. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) right, greets Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) after an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 26-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
A Pittsburgh Steelers fan holds a sign referring to Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger talks with Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns after the game at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 26-14. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger talks with Greg Newsome II #20 of the Cleveland Browns after the game at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 26-14. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) waves to fans and gestures before he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 26-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
A Pittsburgh Steelers fan holds a sign referring to Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) greets fans after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 26-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) greets fans as he walks around the field after defeating the Cleveland Browns in an NFL football game, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 26-14. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) waves to fans before he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 26-14. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) hugs his kids on the field after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 26-14. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans hold signs for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the first half an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
A Pittsburgh Steelers fan holds a sign referring to Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 03, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger looked for the last time into the Heinz Field stands peppered with No. 7 jerseys bearing his name and tried to soak in a moment as inevitable as it was unimaginable for most of his career.
This is the end for the longtime Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback.
And rather than fight it, the player defined by his ability to fend off defenders with his left arm and make game-changing throws with his right embraced it.
Roethlisberger did a victory lap following a 26-14 victory over Cleveland on Monday night that kept his team’s faint playoff hopes alive. He hugged team president Art Rooney II. He unsuccessfully fought back tears. Then he grabbed the hand of his wife Ashley and their three children and walked into the tunnel and out of sight.
His on-field performance – 24 of 46 for 123 yards, with a touchdown and an interception – was remarkable only for its inefficiency. He became the first quarterback since at least 1950 to win a game with more than 40 attempts for fewer than 150 yards, according to STATS.
But the numbers – as has often been the case during an 18-year career that includes two Super Bowl victories – were beside the point.
Roethlisberger played. The Steelers won. And so it goes.
Pittsburgh (8-7-1) will finish at .500 or better for the 18th consecutive season, or every year since the Steelers selected Big Ben with the 11th overall pick out of Miami (Ohio) in the 2004 draft.
“That’s been the story of my career,” he said. “Not always pretty, but we find a way.”
The Steelers need a win over Baltimore next week and a less likely loss by Indianapolis to lowly Jacksonville to make the postseason for the 12th time with Roethlisberger, a possibility he admits is slim.
Still, it exists, and that’s thanks in large part to rookie Najee Harris, who ran for a career-best 188 yards and a touchdown, and linebacker T.J. Watt, who sacked Baker Mayfield four times to give him 21½ on the season, one short of the NFL record set by Hall of Famer Michael Strahan in 2001.
Yet the night belonged to Roethlisberger. The “Let’s Go Ben!” chants started immediately after he was introduced, replaced by “Thank You Ben!” after the 39-year-old took a knee in the final seconds to seal his 26th win over the team that bypassed the Ohio native in the draft nearly two decades ago.
“This is home, you know?” Roethlisberger said. “And I just, I know I was born in Ohio, but I live here and I’ll always be here.”
The only people more eager for Roethlisberger to retire than his family might be the Browns. Cleveland (7-9) – which was eliminated from postseason contention on Sunday – fell to 3-26-1 when facing Roethlisberger.
The Browns inexplicably put the game on Mayfield’s tattered shoulders rather than feeding running back Nick Chubb against the NFL’s worst rush defense. Chubb ran 12 times for 58 yards while Mayfield threw 37 passes, completing just 16, for 185 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
“If anyone questions how much I want it, turn on this tape,” Mayfield said. “I kept swinging. That’s who I am. That’s who I’ve always been.”
Mayfield plans to have surgery on his ailing left shoulder soon, though his erratic season made his long-term outlook murky for a team where instability at the position has been the norm for decades.
Things are different in Pittsburgh.
Roethlisberger was 22 when he took over for an injured Tommy Maddox in Week 2 of his rookie season. He never let go, leading the franchise to an era of success that nearly rivaled the Super Steelers of the 1970s.
Roethlisberger finally admitted this week that “all signs” were pointing to his 18th season being his last. His tank might be running low, but it’s not empty, and he showed flashes – briefly, anyway – of his “Ben being Ben” prime.
A shoulder fake here. A step up in the pocket there. The feet don’t move as fast as they used to. His arm doesn’t deliver with the precision of the past. The field-stretching heaves have been largely replaced by dinks and dunks designed in part to protect him behind an offensive line that isn’t nearly as talented as the groups he led to the postseason with regularity.
Yet if there’s been one constant during Roethlisberger’s career, it’s been his mastery of the Browns.
Roethlisberger’s last win over Cleveland provided a small measure of revenge less than a year after he threw four interceptions in a first-round home playoff loss to the Browns last January.
That night was supposed to be the launching point for Cleveland heading into 2021. But injuries and inconsistent play from Mayfield among others will force the Browns to watch the playoffs from home for the 18th time in the last 19 years.
Not so for Pittsburgh, which heads into the finale of the NFL’s first 17-game season with something to play for.
“We’ve got another game,” Roethlisberger said. “We’ve got to keep fighting.”
Same as it ever was.
INJURIES
Cleveland lost cornerback Greedy Williams in the first half to a shoulder injury and linebacker Sione Takitaki to a shoulder injury in the second half. Cornerback Denzel Ward exited in the third quarter with a groin issue, further depleting a secondary already missing starting safeties Ronnie Harrison and John Johnson.
UP NEXT
Cleveland wraps up a disappointing season at home on Sunday against AFC North champion Cincinnati.
Pittsburgh looks to sweep Baltimore for the second straight season on Sunday and get help elsewhere.
