The Facts: The NFL bid adieu to the Pouncey brothers last week, a decision that meant the end of an era for Roethlisberger and the Steelers. Given their rock solid rapport, it seemed likely that Roethlisberger and Maurkice Pouncey, teammates for 11 seasons, would one day decide to call it quits together. Instead, the veteran center elected to ride off into the sunset while Pittsburgh and the veteran QB continue to decide what's best for the team come next season. "I hate to say he's the greatest teammate and competitor I've ever been around, but at the end of the day that's what it is -- he's the greatest teammate and competitor I've been around," Roethlisberger said. "And that's no slight to anybody else."

Diehards Line:The 2020 Steelers turned in one of the franchise's best seasons in recent memory, finishing first in the AFC North with a 14-2 record. The team had high hopes heading into the postseason but ended up flaming out early against the Browns. In addition to saying he's "still processing" Pouncey's departure, Roethlisberger shared that the type of on-field relationship the tandem had is among the strongest you'll find between a pair of athletes anywhere. "I'd love to ask other quarterbacks who have played with one guy for a long time how close they were with their center," he said. "I'm sure they'd say he's one of their best friends." Adjusting is something the 17-year vet is no stranger to, but it'll be interesting to see how he and his O-line handle incorporating a new center in 2021.