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.
first of all Ben i think your AWESOME!!!!! that was sooo sweet what you guys did for bettis!!! i'm sure he enjoyed that!!!! I hope you have fun while your in detroit!!! I'll be there on sunday rooting for you guys!!!!!!!! :) :) good luck!!!!
GOOOO STEELERS!! :)
Posted by: Jen Rohde | February 01, 2006 at 07:57 PM
Hey Ben!!! I wish you my heart in luck in the big game, your my admiration and love and I wouldnt want for you, yet the whole team lose the big game!
I wish you my heart in luck,
Olivia N.
Age:11
Posted by: Olivia | February 01, 2006 at 08:05 PM
Hey Ben!
Not only are you cute, not only do you wear my favorite number, but you're a kick ass player as well. Best of luck Sunday...Not that you'll need it. I'm sure you and the rest of the boys will make us all proud.
Posted by: Emily | February 01, 2006 at 08:08 PM
Hi Ben,
Thanks for thinking of the fans while you're livin the dream at the Superbowl! You're helping us to live our dream, too.
I guess you know there are thousands of Steelers Fans out here who have followed you -- and cheered for you -- since day one. Heck, since your college days! Anyway, it has been a joy to watch you come into your own during these playoffs, and we are glad that you are a team player with confidence, humility, and spirituality. That combined with your natural talent will take you a long way in this world, no matter what happens at the "Big Game".
We hope you win. We're cheering for you and all of the Steelers. But Steelers fans know that win or lose, we have the best quarterback for our team, and the future's so bright we gotta wear shades.
Love you Ben -- now do your best against Seattle, stay focused and calm, and it'll all be good. Remember, in Him all things are possible!
(bring home the ring) -- sorry, I couldn't help myself! Tell Jerome, Hines, Heath, Joey, Troy and the whole team that we're all behind them!
Posted by: Jan | February 01, 2006 at 08:15 PM
Ben, man, I greatly admire you. You are the best quarterback in the league right now, and definitely the best the Steelers have had in years, probably since Terry Bradshaw. Best of luck in the Super Bowl and I'll be pulling for you guys!! I bleed black and gold and have been a fan for my entire life. LET'S GO STEELERS LET'S GO!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jake | February 01, 2006 at 08:18 PM
i can't believe i am a 37 year old woman - emailing this site! but, i am FIRED up! been watching steeler football since i was a kid. hero as a youngen (pittsburghese): L.C. greenwood. nicest freakin' guy with really bad shoes! bring home the bling!!!
Posted by: courtney | February 01, 2006 at 08:21 PM
Ben,
Just saw the deadspin thing. GEEZ. I hope this Sunday you look alot better than you did that night. Good Luck, buddy!
T
Posted by: Tina63 | February 01, 2006 at 08:48 PM
Dear Bennie, Good luck in the Super Bowl. Can you come to my house to play hide-and -seek with me? I'm 4 years old and I am good at hide-and-seek. Go Steelers!! I want to meet your dog, Zeus, too.
Posted by: Miss Olivia | February 01, 2006 at 08:56 PM
Hi Ben - I grew up in the Terry Bradshaw era - I was a raving maniac for Terry. Now, I am a giant fan for you! You have been given such responsibility. You are a leader and great role model. Stay focused. Enjoy yourself... God is always with you.
Posted by: Patti | February 01, 2006 at 08:58 PM
Hi Ben,
I must say that I have been saying quite a few prayers for you and the team this week. I truly believe the steelers are destined to win this superbowl. I have gotten heat from Bengal fans since you guys "plowed" over them. And the only thing I have said is "watch...we are super bowl bound"!!! So here we are!!!! As I sit here typing this my nerves are getting the best of me. I can't even imagine what you may be feeling at this point. With that said, I am sending a bunch of prayers and wishes your way.... I hope you guys really "sock" it to them seabirds are whatever they are! LOL
Peace, Love and Happiness,
Mary Beth
Posted by: Mary Beth | February 01, 2006 at 08:58 PM
BEN DONT LISTEN TO PEOPLE WHO SAY YOUR BEARD IS UGLY..I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU..YOU AND THE REST OF THE GUYS ARE IN MY PRAYERS ..YOU GUYS WILL BE VICTORIOUS ON THE 5TH THERES NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!! YOU GUYS HAVE COME WAY TO FAR FOR THE SEAHAWKS TO STAND IN YOUR WAY NOW!!! HOPE YOUR HAVING FUN IN DETROIT WITH THE TEAM..I LOOOOOOOVE YOU SO MUCH BEN!! YOUR TRULY ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING PEOPLE EVER! :-)
*p.s..i heard a rumor that theres drinking pictures of you on the internet with all these girls? ... is that true? :-( ...
<3-kellie
(your number one fan for life..no matter what anyone says!)
Posted by: kellie | February 01, 2006 at 08:58 PM
Ben you are the best!!...I am a 54yo STEELER FAN from way back!!!......have always love the steelers but have to tell you that you and the rest of the team have given the phrase "STEELER PRIDE" a whole meaning!!!!.....GO FOR IT!!!
Posted by: Denise | February 01, 2006 at 09:01 PM
Yo just want to wish you and the team best of luck. I will be at my little sisters christening party and might miss the game. I sure hope i get to see it. Keep your eye on the prize and do your best. HERE WE GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Erick | February 01, 2006 at 09:01 PM
Go get em Ben! Bring it home for the STEELER NATION!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mike | February 01, 2006 at 09:04 PM
If you have aim also try to make a myspace. I heard they are pretty cool. Once again BEST OF LUCK!!!!!!!!!!! Please try to win this for Jerome. He is one of my favorite players besides you, Polamalu and the rest of the team. HERE WE GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!1
Posted by: Erick | February 01, 2006 at 09:06 PM
Ben,
Good luck in Super Bowl XL!!
Posted by: alan | February 01, 2006 at 09:06 PM
Ben,
Thank's for the update.Been a STEELERS fan since 1970.Good Luck in Super Bowl XL,and let's get that One For The Thumb!!
GO STEELERS!!
Posted by: Mark Harris | February 01, 2006 at 09:24 PM
Ben,Our Prayers are with you and and the team.
Posted by: Gloria | February 01, 2006 at 09:28 PM
Ben,
Congrats, and the best of luck to you and the team. Pittsburgh has a heartbeat of its own right now, and it feels great to be a part of history in the making!!! The young people of the 'burgh have yet to see the Steelers bring home a ring, not to apply pressure, but,bring home one for the thumb.
Never mind the bad publicity, keep your priorities in order, have good fun, and take time for yourself the next couple of days in the middle of all the craziness.
Here we go...
When you get home stop by Atria's in Wexford for one on me!
Posted by: L L Battist | February 01, 2006 at 09:30 PM
Ben
We are praying for you and the team.Not only for a win ,but to be safe.
Posted by: Evan | February 01, 2006 at 09:31 PM
Yes jesus christ wants ben to win the super bowl while people on the other side of the pond are starving. Religion and sports should not be mixed, its just dumb. All of you kool aid drinkers should stop drinking the juice. As for ben drinking, hes 23, and I am pretty sure he handles himself very well. Sorry I get revved up when I read people think God (if he does exist) cares about the nfl.
Posted by: jim | February 01, 2006 at 09:37 PM
Go Gettem BIG BEN!! DO EM IN!!WE're rootin for the TEAM... Your gonna hail VIctory!!!!!!GO BEN GO!!!!! My 9 year old daughter created a song[I helped with the second chorus, but the first is Mandy's creation]. It's to the tune of Santa's Rockin. Here it is.A MESSAGE to THE STEELER'S: The Steeler's are rockin,[this may not be reproduced without permission from author]
All the way in the north field
Cowher's rockin
Big Ben's rockin
The Bus is really rockin
Rockin all over the world!
The Steeler's are rockin
The seahawk's are hawkin
Cause The Steeler's are winnin the SUPER BOWL this year! from mandy & Kelley in Everson,Pa. Go GeTTIM STEELER"S!!!! Make a glove !!!!!
Posted by: Sarah Marsh | February 01, 2006 at 10:29 PM
Welcome To Detroit Ben!!!
Posted by: Tracie Van Tiem | February 01, 2006 at 11:14 PM
Congratulations on an amazing season!!! You have carried yourself with great poise & maturity this year, it's really great to see you where you are now!!! You all make up an unstoppable team. Go out on Sunday & win one for the 'Burgh (and beyond)!
May God Bless You Richly!!!
(with a SB ring ;))
~Truly~God Bless!!!
Posted by: Tami | February 01, 2006 at 11:15 PM
From all of the Steelers fans in Ohio, thanks for the bragging rights and good luck in the big game for all the bragging rights.
Posted by: Matt | February 02, 2006 at 12:04 AM