Pittsburgh Steelers veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recently admitted to reporters that Monday's home matchup against the Cleveland Browns may be his last game at Heinz Field, a clear hint that the 39-year-old is considering retirement once this season ends.
And although the division showdown has AFC wild-card implications, former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden hopes that the crowd will soak in the moment and show appreciation for Roethlisberger, regardless of the results.
"He gave it his all. Super competitive, very consistent. And knowing that this will be his last game, I really hope that stadium is rocking, from start to finish," McFadden told the Reiter Than You show on Monday. "I really hope that fans appreciate watching greatness for the last time. Granted, he's not the same No. 7 that we saw during his peak years. But he's still a proven fighter.
"He still believes in the organization. And he represents the city of Pittsburgh to the utmost. When you think about Pittsburgh, you think about a blue-collar town -- they don't mind getting dirty to do it the right way, to be the winners. That's what the Steel City is. That's what the Steel City has been. And he was an identical image for what the city represents."
It's no secret that Roethlisberger's days as a starting quarterback in the NFL are numbered. Although he's thrown for 3,373 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 14 games, he ranks 24th in total QBR (38.6) and 26th in yards per attempt (6.6). In early December, former Steelers star Ryan Shazier told CBS Sports Radio that next year may be time for Roethlisberger "to step away from the game."
Pittsburgh (7-7-1) and Cleveland (7-8) are scheduled to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday night, and according to FiveThirtyEight's projections, the Steelers have just a 2-percent chance to reach the AFC playoffs. As for Roethlisberger, who's won two Super Bowls and earned Hall of Fame enshrinement, he could tie NFL legend Brett Favre for the third-most wins at a single venue, including postseason (98).
The entire NFL conversation between McFadden and Reiter can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow the Reiter Than You show on Twitter @sportsreiter and @CBSSportsRadio, and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.