Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger says no to retirement, set to return in 2017

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger informed the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday that he will be back for a 14th season.

Days after the Steelers lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game in January, Roethlisberger hinted he might have played his last game.

Big Ben, as expected, officially put to rest any speculation about his future with an announcement on Twitter.

"Informed the team I am looking forward to my 14th season. Steeler Nation will get my absolute best! -- Ben," Roethlisberger tweeted.

Roethlisberger, who has been the team's starter since being drafted in the first round in 2004, left the door open about retirement following the Steelers' defeat to the Patriots.

"I'm going to take this offseason to evaluate, to consider all options," Roethlisberger said Jan. 24 on a 93.7 The Fan radio show in Pittsburgh. "To consider health, and family and things like that and just kind of take some time away to evaluate next season, if there's going to be a next season. I'm going to take some time and evaluate with my family and just do a lot of praying about it and make sure (playing next season is) the right thing for me and my family."

Roethlisberger, who turned 35 last month, threw for 3,819 yards and 29 touchdowns with 13 interceptions over 14 games in 2016. He is the Steelers' all-time leader in passing yards (46,814) and touchdowns (301) in 185 career games over his 13 seasons in Pittsburgh.