Steelers veterans face uncertain futures following playoff loss
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers defenders Troy Polamalu (bottom), Lawrence Timmons (94), and Jason Worilds tackle the Ravens' Justin Forsett during the third quarter of the AFC wild-card playoff game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers receiver Antonio Brown catches a pass on the goal line in front of Ravens safety Jeromy Miles during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant catches a touchdown with the Ravens' Lardarius Webb during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant catches a touchdown with the Ravens' Lardarius Webb during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
The Ravens' Justin Forsett is tackled by the Steelers' Troy Polamalu (left) and Vince Williams during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers defenders sack Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
The Ravens' Torrey Smith (82) and Owen Daniels (81) celebrate Crocket Gillmore's touchdown against the Steelers on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
The Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger looks at the big screen after throwing an interception to the Ravens' Terrell Suggs in the fourth quarter of an AFC wild-card playoff game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers receiver Antonio Brown makes a catch on the goal line in front of Ravens defender Jeromy Miles (36) on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger throws a touchdown pass to receiver Martavis Bryant against the Ravens during the fourth quarter of an AFC wild-card playoff game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
The Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger hangs his head on the sideline after throwing an interception to the Ravens' Terrell Suggs in the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers cornerback Brice McCain drops an interception in front of the Ravens' Torrey Smith during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers safety Mike Mitchell tackles the Ravens' Torrey Smith during the third quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Ravens receiver Steve Smith Sr. catches a pass in front of the Steelers' William Gay during the third quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (left) celebrates his interception of the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger with teammate Daryl Smith during the fourth quarter of an AFC wild card game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant is tripped by the Ravens' Lardarius Webb, but no flag is thrown for pass interference during the third quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looks on as his team is down to the Ravens during the third quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant gets his feet tangled with Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb during the third quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Ravens receiver Torrey Smith catches a touchdown in front of the Steelers' Mike Mitchell during the third quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers receiver Markus Wheaton runs past a diving Ravens' Lardarius Webb during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers linebacker James Harrison pressures Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Ravens kicker Justin Tucker converts a field goal during the second quarter against the Steelers on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Ravens linebacker Elvis Dumervil celebrates a sack of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
The Steelers' Brett Keisel acknowledges the crowd as he departs from Heinz Field following a loss to the Ravens in an AFC wild card game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau and safety Troy Polamalu (43) leave the field after the Steelers lost to the Ravens, 30-17, in an AFC wild card game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
The Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger hangs his head on the sideline after throwing an interception to the Ravens' Terrell Suggs in the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
The Steelers' Troy Polamalu sits on the bench at the end of the AFC wild-card game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
The Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger looks at the big screen after throwing an interception to the Ravens' Terrell Suggs in the fourth quarter of an AFC wild-card playoff game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
The Steelers' Brice McCain, Mike Mitchell, B.W. Webb and Antwon Blake sit on the bench at the end of the AFC wild-card game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Ravens defender Terrell Suggs intercepts a fourth-quarter pass Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
The Steelers' Troy Polamalu sits on the bench at the end of the AFC wild-card game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Ravens receiver Steve Smith Sr. makes a catch over Steelers cornerback Brice McCain during the third quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Ravens receiver Steve Smith Sr. makes a catch over Steelers cornerback Brice McCain during the third quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant stiff-arms Ravens cornerback Antoine Cason during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) fumbles against the Steelers during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
The Steelers' Brice McCain, Mike Mitchell, B.W. Webb and Antwon Blake sit on the bench at the end of the AFC wild-card game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
The Steelers' Stephon Tuitt (91) recovers a fumble by the Ravens' Justin Forsett during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
The Ravens' Owen Daniels (81) celebrates Crockett Gillmore's touchdown against the Steelers during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
The Ravens' Crockett Gillmore runs past the Steelers' Jason Worilds on a touchdown reception during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Ravens tight end Crockett Gilmore eyes the end zone before scoring a touchdown in fron of the Steelers' William Gay (22) and Jason Worilds (93) during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates a touchdown with tight end Crockett Gilmore (80) during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs intercepts a pass between his legs intended for the Steelers' Ben Tate during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger talks with Antonio Brown (84) after an interception against the Ravens during the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers running back Josh Harris is tackled by Ravens safety Matt Elam during the third quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers running back Josh Harris runs past Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs during the first quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is sacked by Ravens' Elvis Dumervil during the first quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers running back Josh Harris looks for room to run during the first quarter against the Ravens on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown runs past Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb (21) for a first down Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers running back Ben Tate runs over Ravens' Jeromy Miles (36) and Daryl Smith (51) for extra yards during the first quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers linebacker James Harrison chases Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco in the end zone during the first quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
The Ravens' Justin Forsett runs into Steelers safety Mike Mitchell during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Steelers defender Brice McCain is flagged for pass interference on Ravens' Jacoby Jones during the first quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers cornerback Brice McCain is flagged for pass interference on the Ravens' Jacoby Jones during the first quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant looks for a flag after tripping on a deep pass against the Ravens during the third quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers cornerback Brice McCain covers the Ravens' Kamar Aiken during the first quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant gets his feet tangled with the Ravens' Lardarius Webb, but no flag is thrown during the third quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau and safety Troy Polamalu (43) leave the field after the Steelers lost to the Ravens, 30-17, in an AFC wild card game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers receiver Antonio Brown is separated by an official from the Ravens' Lardarius Webb during the first quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
The Steelers' Brett Keisel acknowledges the crowd as he departs from Heinz Field following a loss to the Ravens in an AFC wild card game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Ravens receiver Torrey Smith catches a touchdown in front of the Steelers' Mike Mitchell during the third quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is sacked by the Ravens' Brandon Williams during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Steelers tight end Heath Miller is unable to haul in a pass with Ravens linebacker Daryl Smith in coverage during the third quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers defenders Troy Polamalu (bottom), Lawrence Timmons (94), and Jason Worilds tackle the Ravens' Justin Forsett during the third quarter of the AFC wild-card playoff game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Steelers safety Troy Polamalu attempts to tackle the Ravens' Owen Daniels during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
The Steelers' Troy Polamalu sits on the bench at the end of the AFC wild-card game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Ravens receiver Steve Smith Sr. catches a pass with the Steelers' Sean Spence in pursuit during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Ravens tight end Owen Daniels fights for extra yards with Steelers defenders Sean Spence and Lawrence Timmons during the first quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers fans hang their heads after Ben Roethlisberger threw an interception in the end zone late the fourth quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Ravens linebacker Elvis Dumervil pressures Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during the first quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers safety Mike Mitchell is flagged for a personal foul on Ravens' Jacoby Jones during the first quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers tight end Heath Miller converts a first down against the Ravens during the first quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant runs past Ravens cornerback Rashaan Melvin during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Ravens' Brandon Williams sacks Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during the second quarterSaturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers safety Mike Mitchell is flagged for a personal foul on Ravens' Jacoby Jones on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Steelers running back Josh Harris runs through Ravens defenders during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
The Steelers' Shaun Suisham kicks a field goal against the Ravens during second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Chaz Palla | Trib Total Media
Steelers defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau and safety Troy Polamalu (43) leave the field after the Steelers lost to the Ravens, 30-17, in an AFC wild card game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Steelers safety Troy Polamalu attempts to tackle the Ravens' Owen Daniels during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers tight end Heath Miller fights for extra yards with the Ravens' Daryl Smith during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Ravens tight end Owen Daniels catches a pass in front of Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Ravens running back Bernard Pierce runs past Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) for a touchdown during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Ravens running back Bernard Pierce scores a touchdown against the Steelers during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Philip G. Pavely | Trib Total Media
Ravens running back Bernard Pierce (30) celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the second quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers and Ravens captains go to the middle of the field for the coin toss prior to their AFC wild-card game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is sacked by the Ravens' Elvis Dumervil during the first quarter Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Trib Total Media
The Steelers' Shaun Suisham kicks a field goal during the first quarter against the Ravens on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Heinz Field.
Goodbye wasn't a word some Super Steelers would use after Saturday night's 30-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field.
Neither was retirement.
“After a loss, I don't know — the competitor in me (doesn't) want to end things this way,” linebacker James Harrison said, adding he was “not in the right mind frame” to decide he if would return next season to play for the Steelers or any NFL team.
Cornerback Ike Taylor stopped short of saying he would play only for the Steelers next season.
“When it comes to loyalty and being blinded, that's me,” Taylor said.
Taylor, 34, took a pay cut to return for his 12th NFL season, all with the Steelers. He is famously close to Steelers chairman Dan Rooney, with whom Taylor shares a pregame handshake routine.
Harrison, 36, had retired, but returned to the team after spending last season with Cincinnati.
Both players won multiple Super Bowls and played on three AFC championship squads. Taylor became a stalwart starter, though he did not play because of an injury on Saturday night.
Harrison, who did play and just missed a strip sack of Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, morphed into an All-Pro and Pro Bowl player. Harrison also was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.
Harrison described the Steelers as “a young team that will get better as guys learn to be professionals, learn to be Steelers.”
“Figure out what it takes to be a Steeler and not just play for the Steelers,” Harrison said. “It's a mindset. It's a work ethic. It's a determination.”
Both Taylor and Harrison are set to become unrestricted free agents.
Safety Troy Polamalu, who won Defensive Player of the Year in 2010, has two years remaining on his contract. He returned from an injury to play against the Ravens in the wild-card game loss, but he was unable to capture some his past magic.
His interception return for a touchdown in the 2009 AFC title game against Baltimore arguably is the most memorable play of a likely Hall-of-Fame career and in the history of Heinz Field.
Polamalu, 33, has played all 12 of his seasons with the Steelers. He was the last player in the locker room on Saturday night.
“Time will tell,” Polamalu said several times regarding his football future.
One of the first out was defensive end Brett Keisel, whose 13th season ended in late November because of a torn triceps. Keisel, 36, has another season left on his contract.
He shared a long embrace with Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward.
“You'll never know how much these guys sacrificed,” Heyward said. “You just don't know what's going to happen in the future.”
Rob Rossi is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at rrossi@tribweb.com or via Twitter @RobRossi_Trib.
