Philip Rivers just kicked the door down on quarterback retirement by returning to the Indianapolis Colts, and now the NFL world is looking at another 2004 draft class legend: Ben Roethlisberger. But the 43-year-old doesn’t believe he could stage a return like Rivers.

“Let me tell you, my right arm still works, but it’s the rest of my body I’m worried about,” Roethlisberger said.

Both players were drafted in 2004, but Rivers retired in 2020, one season earlier. Out of these two, the Steelers legend achieved more with the two Super Bowls. His logic is simple: if a team needs a quarterback who can still throw accurately but isn’t required to be mobile behind the offensive line, then a comeback conversation is possible. However, this isn’t the first time he has sparked such excitement in the Steelers Nation.

This isn’t the first time Roethlisberger has flirted with the idea of a return, though his reasoning has changed.

Back in March this year, the Steelers signed star receiver DK Metcalf. At the time, the legend was excited to return so that he could throw the ball to Metcalf. He even wore his Steelers helmet and claimed he was available if they were looking for a signal caller.

While the two-time Super Bowl winner didn’t say that he would unretire, he just teased fans by saying his accuracy is still on point, just like the good ol’ days with Steel City.

However, let’s hold our wild thoughts here. The Steelers have veteran Aaron Rodgers, so it’s unlikely they would need Ben Roethlisberger again. Colts head coach Shane Steichen badly wanted a quarterback he could trust after Daniel Jones was ruled out of the season with an Achilles injury. Their search led them to the retired Rivers.

Philip Rivers loses the comeback game

The 44-year-old Rivers surprised everyone when he came back for the remaining 2025 season. Steichen was with him at the Los Angeles Chargers from 2016 to 2019 as the quarterback coach and interim offensive coordinator in 2019. More than the organizational need, it was their relationship that comforted him enough to return to the league.

However, the age factor showed in his return game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15. He completed 18 of 27 passes (66.7% completion rate) for 120 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception. But the Colts lost 18-16.

Overall, the league is positive about Rivers’ return. The legendary signal caller Brett Favre clearly sided with him when he said that the 44-year-old today is not the same age as 20 years ago because of the modern protective equipment and rules.

Favre noted that Rivers’ confidence was a key factor in his return and added that it would be interesting to watch. With the Steelers struggling through the season, would they also consider Ben Roethlisberger’s return? Doesn’t look like it!