Roethlisberger cites family in decision to come out of game

(Reuters)

After voluntarily removing himself from the game on Sunday, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he was diagnosed with a traumatic ocular migraine. Roethlisberger came out of the game against the Seattle Seahawks to be checked for a concussion and said thoughts of his family led to his decision.

Speaking to “The Cook and Poni Show on Sportsradio 93.6 The Fan for the #1 Cochran Ben Roethlisberger Show Tuesday”, the veteran quarterback said a brain injury is not something he’s willing to risk.

“I have played through many injuries but the brain is not an injury you want to play with,” the veteran quarterback said, according to CBS Pittsburgh. He also said his peripheral vision seemed as if he was looking through water.

“I didn’t feel right, it doesn’t make you less of a man or a football player to come out of the game,” he told the show.

“When you’re done you want to be a husband or father, and if I have these brain injuries it’s not worth it,” he said, according to the report.

While Roethlistberger maintains that he is concussion-free, head coach Mike Tomlin said that he was told his starting quarterback has a concussion, and will be required to pass a battery of tests before he can return to play.

Roethlisberger, whose team went on to lose to the Seattle Seahawks 39-30, also mentioned that he hasn’t suffered a concussion since switching to Ridell's Revolution Speed helmet about eight seasons ago.

Tomlin said Tuesday that Roethlisberger will remain under concussion protocol this week as the Steelers' prepare to face the Indianapolis Colts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.