Ben Roethlisberger didn't want to believe it, either.
The Steelers quarterback issued a statement Monday shortly after being placed on injured reserve, effectively ending his 2019 campaign as he prepares for a season-ending elbow procedure he didn't see coming.
But that doesn't mean the 37-year-old is looking to retire.
"I’ve been informed that I need season ending surgery on my elbow to continue playing football at the level I expect. This is shocking and heartbreaking for me, to miss this much of a season and feel like I am letting down so many people," the release read.
"I can only trust God’s plan, but I am completely determined to battle through this challenge and come back stronger than ever next season. The Steelers committed three years to me this offseason and I fully intend to honor my contract and reward them with championship level play. I will do all I can to support Mason and the team this season to help win games. I love this game, my teammates, the Steelers organization and fans, and I feel in my heart I have a lot left to give."
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin announced earlier Monday that Roethlisberger had an MRI after Sunday's 28-26 loss to the Seahawks that confirmed the severity of the injury.
Roethlisberger was seen shaking his throwing arm at various points in the first half of the team's home opener and even exited to the locker room before returning to the sideline. He was later ruled questionable to return and backup Mason Rudolph started the second half.
He didn't return and finished 8-of-15 for 75 yards.
Rudolph is set to take over as the starter in place of Roethlisberger, who will be missing in action due to injury for the first time since Week 7 of the 2016 season.
On the other hand, there's optimism that running back James Conner avoided a serious injury after also leaving Sunday's game. He suffered a knee injury but told 93.7 The Fan on Monday that he had "no tears" and didn't sustain "anything significant."
The Steelers will look to get their first win when they visit the 2-0 Niners in Week 3.