Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says their AFC divisional playoff defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars "hurts" but has played down rumours of retirement.
Despite setting a franchise record with 469 yards passing and throwing for five touchdowns, the 35-year-old still blamed himself for the 45-42 loss.
Roethlisberger flirted with retirement at the end of 2016 and hinted last summer this could be his last year in the league, but the two-time Super Bowl winner insists he is looking forward to returning next season.
"I definitely have a desire to play football. I love this game. I love these guys," Roethlisberger said.
"It's tough. It stings. You hate to lose it. You hate to lose at home.
"I feel bad because I feel like I let the fans down, my team-mates down. You know, the fans, we gave them so much to enjoy and cheer for this year.
"I feel like I let a lot of people down. And I'll take it all on myself. That's fine. I have no problem with that.
"I don't know about contracts and who's coming back, but I know the guys up front are. That makes it good for me.
"So, I look forward to next year with those guys."
The Steelers called some controversial plays during Sunday's defeat, including a pair of failed fourth down attempts and a late onside kick that led to the Jaguars' winning field goal, but coach Mike Tomlin defended his decision-making.
"I'm comfortable with what we called," Tomlin said. "We didn't execute it. I'm not addressing the possibilities.
"I'm a competitor. We're in a competitive business. I wouldn't say it's shock. I wouldn't say it's hurt, either. It's just unfortunate we didn't get the job done.
"You can characterise it however you want. We understand the business we're in. We embrace it. We live for it. But we didn't get it done."