Ben Roethlisberger has contemplated retirement in recent years, but the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback now believes he has several seasons still in front of him.

"... I plan on playing for three to five more years, depending on how the line goes and staying healthy, if I can stay healthy," he told Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Roethlisberger, 36, was responding to a question about Steelers draftee Mason Rudolph eventually succeeding him as the starter. Pittsburgh spent a third-round pick on Rudolph at the 2018 NFL Draft and used a fourth-rounder last year on Joshua Dobbs, with the anticipation that Big Ben's career could soon be over.

"I went and talked to Art (Rooney II) and coach (Mike Tomlin) and (offensive coordinator) coach Randy (Fichtner)," said Roethlisberger, "And basically said, 'Listen, I can't control - barring major injuries, barring things at home, and things out of your control - the way my body feels. The way our O-line is put together, as good as they are, they kept me healthy as can be the last couple years. I really feel I can play this game another three to five years.'

"I'll still take it one year at a time and give it everything I have that one year, but that's what I felt comfortable in telling them."

Roethlisberger ranked fifth in the NFL last season with 4,251 passing yards, to go along with 28 touchdowns against 14 interceptions.