Is everybody ready for this?? Hello to you all and thanks for
the continued support. I find myself in Detroit, MI this Monday,
January 30th, 2006, preparing to play in the Super Bowl on Sunday in
great part to fans like you.
You guys inspire me to give my all, and your passion for Steelers victories has gotten us to this point. Now we need just one more push to finish this season right. My hope is to give something back to you by sharing my experiences from this exciting week. I figure we got to this point together, so let's take this step together as well.
You guys inspire me to give my all, and your passion for Steelers victories has gotten us to this point. Now we need just one more push to finish this season right. My hope is to give something back to you by sharing my experiences from this exciting week. I figure we got to this point together, so let's take this step together as well.
So this morning, we departed Pittsburgh with an awesome send off
from supportive fans. Our team had a nice surprise for Bussie
(that's Jerome, obviously) when we got on the plane... about half
the team was decked out in his green throwback #6 Notre Dame
jerseys. Jerome is the greatest guy and means so much to this
team, and taking him home to Detroit has been an emotional ride for all
of us.
Upon arriving in Detroit, we were welcomed by tons of media. We checked into the hotel then immediately went over to the Pontiac Silverdome for a walk through. That's where the Lions used to play, and the place is enormous. They just installed field turf for us, similar to Ford Field, and basically everything we'll need to prepare for the game is already set up in the Silverdome.
Our locker rooms, training room, meeting rooms, workout facility, everything looks great and should allow us to prepare the same way as our facility in Pittsburgh.
Upon arriving in Detroit, we were welcomed by tons of media. We checked into the hotel then immediately went over to the Pontiac Silverdome for a walk through. That's where the Lions used to play, and the place is enormous. They just installed field turf for us, similar to Ford Field, and basically everything we'll need to prepare for the game is already set up in the Silverdome.
Our locker rooms, training room, meeting rooms, workout facility, everything looks great and should allow us to prepare the same way as our facility in Pittsburgh.
After that we returned to the hotel and just settled in. Our
only team commitment was an evening meeting, and basically we're
free to explore the city and the restaurants. Coach Cowher
obviously talked to us about being responsible and professional, and
taking time to enjoy the experience but remaining focused on why we're
here.
We have a tight team with a lot of respect and admiration for each other. It's truly an honor to be a part of this group, and I value my role amongst these great guys. The weather here is similar to Pittsburgh, so we'll probably never think about it, especially since our practices and the game will be indoors.
All in all, it's been a low-stress day, similar to a normal Monday during game weeks. Tomorrow is the official media day, so the importance of this whole event will probably set in. Not that I need to be reminded of the importance of the Super Bowl... I've been thinking about it my whole life!
For now, I'm just happy to be here, with this group of guys, representing this organization and the best fans in the world. I am headed out to dinner now with Jerome, Hines and a group of guys, so we'll get back to more of this tomorrow. Jerome knows his way around this city, so I'll stick close to him. Have a great night and thanks again for supporting me. I feel so blessed in so many ways.
~~~~~
This is the first installment of Ben's daily blog during Super Bowl week in Detroit. These are Ben's direct thoughts and reflections on the day, as transcribed by his agent, Ryan Tollner. Ryan is with Ben in Detroit all week. Ben will continue to provide photos from his cell phone for everyone to enjoy.
We have a tight team with a lot of respect and admiration for each other. It's truly an honor to be a part of this group, and I value my role amongst these great guys. The weather here is similar to Pittsburgh, so we'll probably never think about it, especially since our practices and the game will be indoors.
All in all, it's been a low-stress day, similar to a normal Monday during game weeks. Tomorrow is the official media day, so the importance of this whole event will probably set in. Not that I need to be reminded of the importance of the Super Bowl... I've been thinking about it my whole life!
For now, I'm just happy to be here, with this group of guys, representing this organization and the best fans in the world. I am headed out to dinner now with Jerome, Hines and a group of guys, so we'll get back to more of this tomorrow. Jerome knows his way around this city, so I'll stick close to him. Have a great night and thanks again for supporting me. I feel so blessed in so many ways.
~~~~~
This is the first installment of Ben's daily blog during Super Bowl week in Detroit. These are Ben's direct thoughts and reflections on the day, as transcribed by his agent, Ryan Tollner. Ryan is with Ben in Detroit all week. Ben will continue to provide photos from his cell phone for everyone to enjoy.
Ben,
Your terrific, and just what this Steeler team has needed. I have been a fan since the 70's and my 2 sons are big fans as well. We are extremely proud of you guys and so excited about the Big Game. Good Luck, God Speed.
Posted by: Kate | January 31, 2006 at 09:24 AM
GO STEELERS
Posted by: erica | January 31, 2006 at 09:24 AM
Ben...Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us all during this crazy week for you. You and the rest of the team make me proud to be a Steelers fan. Enjoy the week and good luck on Sunday, my prayers are with you all. Take care,
Christina
Posted by: Christina | January 31, 2006 at 09:28 AM
Hi Ben,
It's so good to hear from you. Thanks for taking the time out to write to us. My brother tells me to tell you that if it's freezing up there you should wear a white plastic surgical glove on your throwing hand. It will keep you hand warm and it's very flexable. He weares one when working on a cold mountain. He's say's that it wokrs better than those bulky gloves football players usually wear. God bless you all and I wish ya'll the best in the Super Bowl.
Bethnny Greene
1 Timothy 4:12
Posted by: Bethany Greene | January 31, 2006 at 09:30 AM
Yay Ben! I'm sooo excited for you! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! I can't put into words how excited I am you get to live a dream, and uphold a promise =).
Prayers and thoughts are with you throughout this week! Have fun with your friends and play your hearts out!!
Posted by: nicolea | January 31, 2006 at 09:32 AM
I hope that you have the time of your life this week. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. od luck on Sunday.
Posted by: Mel | January 31, 2006 at 09:39 AM
Ben, may the Force be with y'all! Give Troy a hug even if he does send the offense back on the field so quick ;) I've been a RABID Steeler fan since about 79 when I was finally old enough to understand the game, and am sooo thrilled to see "my boys" in the Big Game again. I will be cheering for ya'll, utterly convinced you and Coach Cowher can hear me through the television LOL Play your hearts out, do it for the love of the game, and this long-time Steeler fan will be a happy woman.
Posted by: Ana | January 31, 2006 at 09:45 AM
HI BEN,
THAT'S GREAT THAT YOU'RE POSTING DURING YOUR VISIT TO DETROIT! BUT,STAY FOCUSED!!!!!!!!!!! LOL DON'T LET THE HYPE DISTRACT YOU OR THE TEAM.......YOU HAVE THE WHOLE CITIES SUPPORT WIN OR LOSE...THANKS FOR A GREAT SEASON!!! GOD BLESS.
GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: TONI | January 31, 2006 at 09:46 AM
Ben, best of luck Sunday! We (my husband and I) love you guys so very much that we spent our honeymoon in Pittsburgh for the Raven's game this hallowe'en. What a wedding present to have the season you've all had and a Super Bowl to top it all off! Have a wonderful week and we can't wait for this weekend! Our hopes and prayers are with all of you!
Posted by: Anna | January 31, 2006 at 09:47 AM
Ben - I'm a long-time Steelers fan now living in Atlanta. How great it has been to follow the team's progress, especially these past couple years. Great to see a new dynasty arise and do justice to the old. The thing that makes me most proud of the Steelers is that you truly ARE a TEAM. No hotdoggers or Deion-Sanders-wanna-be types. How refreshing in an era that is rampant with self-involved, money-focused athletes and owners! All the best to you, Jerome, Hines and each of the other equally important (but sometimes less recognized) members of the TEAM. Win one for the Rooneys, the coach, the team and for city of Pittsburgh. You do us proud! Good luck and give it your all this Sunday!
Posted by: Jane | January 31, 2006 at 09:53 AM
Ben,
We are all very excited for you and the guys! Sunday cant come soon enough! I'll be watching the game from Primantis. As I have been since the playoffs started so I cant break that!
Good luck on Sunday! (even tho ur not gonna need it!)
Enjoy detroit and I cant wait til you guys get home with one for the thumb!
Posted by: Cathy | January 31, 2006 at 09:54 AM
I can't wait for the Super Bowl that my heart skips beats everytime I think about it! =)
Have a great game...and bring home the ring!
Posted by: Jessica | January 31, 2006 at 09:56 AM
hi ben just here to wish u luck in the super bowl and many more to come take care and god bless u and the team p.s just remember there no I in team. take care
Posted by: angie | January 31, 2006 at 10:01 AM
Ben,
I'm not sure if you'll get this message directly but maybe someone will pass it on to you.
I just wanted to thank you for what you did this summer during the bikers fundraiser for the little girl with cancer. I know you had another committment that you couldn't get out of but the message you sent to the family and the items you sent over were a great inspiartion to the little girl, her family and everyone there at the event. The event was a huge success and the items you sent raised thousands for the little girls medical bills.
The best news of all is that the girl had a sucessful surgery and is currently cancer free according to her doctors.
Again, thank you and the two other players involved for taking the time to reach out and help.
Sincerely,
Ted
Posted by: Ted | January 31, 2006 at 10:08 AM
Ben, whats up? I know that everybody is saying one for the thumb, but how about starting with your own thumb, and filling up the rest of your hand. You have really brought pride back to the city, and good luck on Sunday!
Posted by: John | January 31, 2006 at 10:09 AM
Steelers are gonna win...yup
Posted by: Becky | January 31, 2006 at 10:10 AM
Hey Ben,
It sounds like you are settling in!!! I keep watching all the stuff on ESPN, ESPN2, and Fox Sports Pittsburgh and i am soooo jealous...I wish I was there! These 2 weeks have being dragging...I can not wait for Sunday!!! Have fun today at Media Day and GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND THE REST OF THE TEAM ON SUNDAY :)
~Betsy Bilger~
Posted by: ~Betsy~ | January 31, 2006 at 10:17 AM
Hello Ben..
You are awesome...I was so excited when we won the last game that I was cried...It was such an emotional 4th quarter...and have waited a long time for this. Every one keeps telling me we cant win the "Big one" ha I tell them we already have and his name is BEN! I love it when You and Ward share a big smile from across the field, I know everything is going to be okay..and Bettis is Awesome and always gets the job done. I love the way you will take one in for a touchdown yourself thats sooo cool. Last year I made a blanket during half time of the games and this year I made a pair of pants and decorated them and I said they was my superbowl pants! and guess what here we are!! Good luck and take care and have an awesome time. Thank-you for all you have done for our team this year! #1 Sexy Beast
Terri
Ohio
Posted by: Terri | January 31, 2006 at 10:18 AM
BEN! Stop blogging! Concentrate on your work... blogging is addictive and takes up a lot of time STOP NOW WHILE YOU STILL CAN. ALSO: Please stop reading comments, we are just crazed fans, you don't need to know how excited we are, you already know that.
Good Luck!
An Excited Fan
Posted by: EB | January 31, 2006 at 10:23 AM
Hey Ben!
It's really cool to hear about your experiance! I'm so excited for you and the guys! This is supposed to be my grandfather's last year...and he's such a big Steeler's fan... he's really happy... so thank you! Love you guys! GOOD LUCK!
April
Steelers fan in Bengal's Territory
Posted by: April | January 31, 2006 at 10:27 AM
Hey Ben!
It's really cool to hear about your experiance! I'm so excited for you and the guys! This is supposed to be my grandfather's last year...and he's such a big Steeler's fan... he's really happy... so thank you! Love you guys! GOOD LUCK!
April
Steelers fan in Bengal's Territory
Posted by: April | January 31, 2006 at 10:27 AM
Ben,
Thank you for taking the time to share your whole super bowl experience with your fans. You are truly an amazing person. Good Luck to you, Jerome, and the rest of the team. Now go out there and kick some Seahawks ass and win one for the thumb and for my birthday. Good Luck!
Love you,
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | January 31, 2006 at 10:38 AM
Ben,
You are freaking awesome. period. :)
My entire family (including my 2 year old daughter who swings her terrible towel just as good as the rest of us!) will be cheering you on this Sunday!!! GO STEELERS!!!
Posted by: pebz | January 31, 2006 at 10:48 AM
Ben,
God Bless and best of luck this Sunday. You have the entire city of Pittsburgh behind you and the team. I am sure the weight on your shoulders is large but the feeling of getting to this point has got to be wonderful!-
Posted by: Erin | January 31, 2006 at 10:50 AM
Ben,
Short and sweet,
THANK YOU! For everything you have done and brought to the Steelers organization.
...Go Steelers...
Posted by: Sylvia - Alliance, Ohio | January 31, 2006 at 10:57 AM