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.
Hi Ben ,
I have been following you since you made your very first appearance. I think you are a very focused and poised Leader on the Home Team, . I am a STEELER-DIEHARD-FAN, I am going to suffer Withdrawals after Sunday's game.. But I know You & the Boys "Got it goin on", So just DO THE DAMN THANG ... Let me see you pluck a BIRD FEATHER, Hawks of a feather FLOP together. LETS GO STEELERS!!!!!
Posted by: Vee McLee | February 02, 2006 at 01:24 AM
Ben,
I see why you're soooo wonderful, we share the same Zodiac sign and our Birthday is 1 day and Many Years apart.. Celebrate!
Posted by: Vee McLee | February 02, 2006 at 01:40 AM
Good Luck to all of you on Sunday. We will be cheering all the way for you guys.
Posted by: Reoberta | February 02, 2006 at 12:47 PM
Ben,
Thats great your having fun in detroit!!!just do your best @ the super bowl,i'll be cheering you on no matter what!!!!!!!
Tiffany
Posted by: Tiffany...#1 Big Ben Fan! | February 02, 2006 at 05:32 PM
We are proud to be Steeler Fans, Having a team like you makes us proud....Keep up the good work and go out there and play like we know you can......Good Luck....Were rooting for you......
Posted by: Ashley B | February 02, 2006 at 07:11 PM
Hey Ben,
I hope you are having a really great time in Detroit even though I am sure it is stressful with practice and everything. I'm sure it is a great experience and all of your hard work will all be pay off in the end. I'm going to try not to repeat everything everyone else says because I'm sure these get awfully boring to read. I just wanted to tell you that I have been one of your biggest fans from the start! You are the perfect Pennsylvania guy, especially now that you have the beard ;) I have so much respect for the way you treat your team. It all seems to come together when you walk out on the field. My sister commented you a little while ago (Jana). She was able to go to the Championship game and she told me that you shook all of your team members hands before the game. I think that is really classy and shows how much you care about each and every single one. You are a very talented guy with a great personality and that is why everyone loves you. Good luck this weekend and remember that no matter what happens you will always be my #1.
Krista Miller (http://www.myspace.com/klmiller07)
P.S. Way to get the Bus back home :)
Posted by: Krista | February 02, 2006 at 08:04 PM
I just wanted to say thank you for help getting the team to the super bowl and for getting the bus to play his last game back at home. i also was reading on here that you are looking online for dates. i was wondering which site you are on. cause i am one of your biggest fans and thought highly of you from the begining. well i just wanted to say is GOOD LUCK and KICK SEATTLES ***!!!!!!!!
Either way your still #1 to me!!!!!
Jenn Tiernan
Posted by: JENN TIERNAN | February 02, 2006 at 10:33 PM
Ben,
Thank you and the rest of the team for what you have given this city. My grandmother, bless her heart, cried when she heard that ya'll were going to the SUPER BOWL. She is a huge Steeler fan from WAY back. As a matter of fact that's how I got the name Terri (i for a girl). That's right my poor grandparents have ALL grandaugters, so I got the boy name. Well anyway Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Stick it to em'hard,
The Tuminski family.
Posted by: Terri Tuminski | February 02, 2006 at 10:37 PM
As this will be my first official post to any web-site after many years on the web – I can’t think of a better site to become ___*de-flowered*__ than one with such a propensity towards the best team in the NFL…and, although I have to admit I was *forced* to become a Steelers fan from an early age – my maternal grandfather was a coal miner in Colver, PA (about 90 miles from P’burgh) – I think he even renounced his Catholic faith to be able to watch the Steelers play on Sundays – much to my grandmother’s chagrin – and even though we came all the way from Pensacola, FL to see him, if it was Sunday and the Steelers were on, to him, it was as sacred as Church and, therefore, all conversing had to be relegated to commercials and Heaven help you if you spoke once during the game or, Heaven forbid, you weren’t a Steelers fan at all (you were kind of sent off to a Stalin Siberia – if you were that lucky to be sent anywhere!!) :o)
This is like the second coming of the *Steel Curtain* - the players have all changed, but the feelings are still there – Pittsburgh seemingly dominated the NFL (wake up Pirates and Penguins!!) – there are so many great players on this team right now and they have all banded together and come a long way *together* - that is what sportsmanship and athletics are all about – this will most definitely be one for the history books…
Even though my Mum is from PA and my Dad from Ohio – and he once told her the Steelers would never amount to anything – four Super Bowl Championships later (and his beloved Browns – hahaha!) –I’d never wish it on anyone, for surely it MUST be a ‘Burgh thing, he should hafta drink an Iron City for that (which tastes like horse ---, oh, kids might be reading this…and thank goodness we don’t get that here in Florida – not even after all our hurricanes would that even sound appealing, ice cold or not…the cans, however, are cool – with team logos and great players, like Roberto Clemente – the contents just kinda suck! :-P
Saaaaaay Ben, any way you can get your agent, Ryan, excellent transcriptionist, btw, - I have read your blog and noticed a dramatic difference in punctuation, grammar, &c. and then Ryan said he was “transcribing” for you – I’m a medical transcriptionist – anyway Ryan might want to transcribe for me so I can watch the game? I’m trying to find someone to cover for me, but weekends people usually want to spend w/ their families…it’s just Radiology – MRI’s, CT’s…c’mon Ryan!!! :o) (I’ll buy you a case of Iron City – or Bud, which is better anyhows…)
Regardless, I’ll be rooting the Steelers on to their fifth victory (sorry seahawks)…we’re taking back over now – even my little Rottie will have his Steelers bandana on – I love Rottweilers – I always thought they were kinda scary, vicious dogs, but having had mine for the past three/3 years, the only harm is one might slip in their drool – gawd, they drool worse than Saint Bernards… - Rotties even have the Steeler’s colours – black and gold!! It’s admirable you wanted to take your Rottie, Zeus, to Detroit – but best to keep him in his familiar surroundings – but don’t come home empty-handed to him either, myne, maybe like yours, is so very nosy, every bag that comes into the house MUST be inspected by Arusha (in case there’s FOOD for him, of course) – he’ll eat anything, so far, X’cept for pickles – dogs just hate vinegar… :-/
Anyhows, after my long Shakespearian soliloquy, I wish you and all the Steelers players a very victorious win on Sunday (I’m sure my grandfather is up there bending God’s ear, which you’ll don’t even need…)…Enjoy the moment and RELAX too…you’ll will do fine…it’s Pittsburgh’s time – once again!!!
~ shannon
P.S. Per media reports, be careful about the “no personal life” statements and having to meet women online – I’m sure you wish you could take that one back – you are now, after all, a *celebrity* - it’s even hard to meet decent people in “real life”…take Zeus to the dog parks (unfortunately Rotties have been banned from the dog parks here ever since a Rottie killed a rat terrier (key word: RAT – i.e. oversized yippie-yapper) at the local dog park here, but my Rottie, Arusha and I, are going there anyhows, ever deviant and ever German/Indian/Russian – my Rottie will knock you down jumping up on you and slobber you to death, but he’d never hurt anyone…dogs are the greatest, they greet you at the door always happy to see you, no matter what – and they want the best for you – and Zeus will be very happy when you bring that ring for the thumb home – get ready for lots of slobbering!!! Godspeed – HERE WE GO STEELERS… :o)
P.P.S. Please tell Max Starks THANK YOU very much for him donating 4 of his tickets to the family of one of the victims of the Sago Mine disaster in WV - that did not go in vain and is very heart-warming...
P.P.P.S. If anyone there in Pittsburgh (sorry about the IC comments, but it's true - it's ickies!!! - but seriously, if someone could take a picture of Shadyside Hospital and either e-mail or postal mail it, I would really, really appreciate it very much ~ I know how generous Pittsburgher's are... :o) Danke....
Posted by: ~ shannon :) | February 03, 2006 at 12:47 AM
Ben and the whole team,
You guy's give all of us from pittsburgh inspriation. Being a relocated pittsburgh guy in the middle of Browns and Bengel territory I fell that you guy's make my Sundays brighter (when I do get to see the games). Good luck to all of you and bring that ring and trophy back to pittsburgh where it belongs!! Do it for the BUS!! Thanks for the great year and just remember just 1 more!!!
Posted by: David Brunner | February 03, 2006 at 07:09 AM
Yeah, what a good role model for our kids...take a look
http://www.jokaroo.com/funnypictures/ben_roethlisberger_drunk.html
Posted by: Go SEATTLE | February 03, 2006 at 01:59 PM
SEAHAWKS BABY!
GONNA CRUSH THE LITTLE RETARDS ON THE BACK OF THE BUS.....
CRUUUUUUSSSSSSHHHH YYYYOOOOOUUUUUU FFFFFFFFOOOOOOOLLLLLSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: RIK | February 03, 2006 at 02:49 PM
First of all, let me start off by congratulating you on your first SB appearance (no doubt, many more to come) in just your second friggin' year. I bet you didn't expect this. I also bet the Giants, and the Chargers are kicking themselves right now. Eli who?
Anyways, I just hope you don't take this loss too hard. You have a good chance at making it next year, so there definitely is that. It's just that Seattle will be too much for you to handle, and are destined to win this game. No. Matter. What!
You have a good future ahead of you, and could go down as one of the greatest QB's to ever play the game. But, you won't win your first one. I have no doubt in my mind about that.
Look at it this way. This SB loss will make good fodder for your life story: "Big Ben Roethlisberger led his Pittsburgh Steelers to Super Bowl XL in his sophomore season. A feat matched by no one else. Although he did not lead his team to a victory over the MIGHTY Seahawks that year, he did however, have an epic game, throwing no picks, and 2 TD's to lose by a margin of 3. The next year Roethlisberger was back with a vengeance, carrying his team (and Bill "Redneck" Cowher) on his back to almost win the SB singlehandedly. Blah, blah, blah, and all that good stuff"
Really, who knows what is going to happen come Sunday. I can still dream, can't I?
P.S: It's very emotionally taxing having your two favorite teams go at it in the SB. I'm from Seattle, and a die-hard 'Hawks fan, but something at the back of my head is saying: "win one for the Bus!"
Now, I don't know wether that is some new fangled subliminal message thingy created by the Steelers brass, (I am joking for those of you too serious or stupid to understand) a schmaltzy ploy to get support for your team, or just a downright feel good story that everybody, be they a 'Hawks fan, or a 'Burg fan, can appreciate. I'm leaning towards the latter.
P.S.S: Good luck, regardless. Peace and goodwill.
Posted by: Ryan | February 03, 2006 at 03:05 PM
What's up #7 I just found this website and I wanted to say you are awsome. I also wanted to say you are the luckiest person ever to be a QB on such a ridiculously good team. One last thing I would like to ask is how it's like to play with Jerome Bettis.
-Peace out
Posted by: Ben | February 04, 2006 at 09:47 PM
BEN,
You are my hero!!! Finally the steelers are back in the superbowl. Good luck--I know u guys will win!!!
Posted by: Sarah | February 05, 2006 at 01:44 PM
What's the deal with the party pics Ben?
Posted by: Sean | February 06, 2006 at 05:39 PM
What's the deal with the party pics Ben?
Posted by: Sean | February 06, 2006 at 05:39 PM
Hey Ben,
You are such a wonderful athlete and I am so glad that you thank God no matter what the situation is. My prayers are with you always! :-) Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | February 06, 2006 at 07:58 PM
A Big Congratulations to you and the Steelers....a job well done!! My family and I are all die-hard Steeler fans, and we prayed for you the whole season....see what happens when you put God first!!!
Keep doing what you do, you are Blessed of God!!! We love you.
PS- Happy Birthday in March too, you are my birthday brother...smile....my birthday is the day before yours. smile. That's why I like you and Hines so much, our birthdays are close.....smile. Be Blessed!
Posted by: Mavis B. | February 09, 2006 at 03:46 PM
BEN CAN YOU COME TO ST. MARGARET'S SCHOOL OF SCOTLAND, I KINDA PROMISED I'D GET YOU TO COME TO MY SCHOOL? IF YOU NEED THE ADDRESS EMAIL ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Tessa | February 09, 2006 at 04:13 PM
congratulations on winning the superbowl! i love watching the steelers play, and love living in pittsburgh! thanx for all that you've done for this city.
Posted by: Nicole | February 09, 2006 at 06:43 PM
Congratulations to you and the rest of the Steeler team on winning the Super Bowl!! Have a great time celebrating!!!
Posted by: Monica | February 09, 2006 at 07:18 PM
Thank-you Ben and all the Steelers for giving fans one of the most exciting seasons ever. I hope the media doesn't spoil your genuineness. Because that is what makes the Steelers special to me... Enjoy your victory and remember you roots..
Take Care, Deb
Posted by: Deb | February 09, 2006 at 08:04 PM
whoops....I mean to say remember "your" roots....lol...
Posted by: Deb | February 09, 2006 at 08:06 PM
Ben-
Thanks to you and the team for making *new* Superbowl memories for Pittsburgh. Congrats!
God bless you all.
Posted by: Danielle | February 10, 2006 at 01:02 PM