Altoona Mirror, January 25, 2017

Nothing like a quick jolt of panic to liven up a blah winter day.
Ben Roethlisberger provided that lightning bolt Tuesday morning by suggesting he's going to seriously think about whether he wants to play next season.
Phone lines melted on sports talk radio, and the TV stations dispatched reporters to get man in the street reaction to the possibility of Roethlisberger's retirement.
It made for some lively conversation and was heaven sent for someone who had a Wednesday column due (thanks, Ben) but how serious is he?
Put it this way: If you're going to bet on this, bet on Big Ben being in the lineup in September.
His comment came less than 48 hours after the Steelers' disappointing performance in the AFC Conference Championship game, and that undoubtedly influenced his attitude.
The Steelers were never really in the game. The New England Patriots made Antonio Brown a non-factor, which forced Roethlisberger to rely on other receivers who didn't do much. After the dropped passes and assorted foul-ups, Roethlisberger must have felt like he was working with the junior varsity.
It was a disappointing end to what had been an uplifting season. The Steelers rebounded from 4-5 to win their last six games. Then they won two playoff games, the second on the road.
They weren't favored to win in New England, but they had every reason to expect a better showing. The final margin was 19 points, and that was trimmed by a meaningless late touchdown.
So while he's nursing bumps and bruises and looking at a bank account that has enough money to last three lifetimes, who could blame Roethlisberger for wondering why he puts himself through the ordeal of preparing for a season? He turns 35 in March. He has three young children. He mentioned wanting to leave the game with some semblance of health.
Mike Tomlin said this isn't the first time Roethlisberger has talked to the Steelers about retiring. That comes as a mild surprise.
It's a grim thought for the team. There is no heir apparent, and no guarantee that a hotshot replacement would be available to the Steelers in the draft. Between Terry Bradshaw's departure in 1983 and Roethlisberger's arrival in 2004, the Steelers saw enough of Cliff Stoudt, Mark Malone, Bubby Brister, Neil O'Donnell. Kent Graham, Kordell Stewart, Mike Tomczak and Tommy Maddox to know exactly how valuable a franchise-level quarterback is.
Roethlisberger will retire one of these days. Just don't expect that day to be in 2017.
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--STAFF CHANGES?
In his season-ending news briefing, Tomlin indirectly hinted there may be some changes in the coaching staff.
Steelers special teams were consistently below average in all facets, and that could have assistant coach Danny Smith on the hot seat.
The Steelers could also part company with linebackers coach Joey Porter, who embarrassed the organization with an off-field incident a few weeks ago.