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!
Thanks to you and the rest of the team for your continued inspiring performances!
As a matter of fact, you've inspired some friends and I (under the name The Bill Cowher Press Conference) to record a song in tribute to the Black and Gold. Everyone can feel free to download it here:
http://www.dudesondudes.com/bcpc/Bill_Cowher_Press_Conference-Triumph_of_the_Steel.mp3
Enjoy!
Thanks and best of luck!
-Adam
Posted by: Adam MacGregor | January 31, 2006 at 11:06 AM
Ben,
Thanks for taking the time to let all your fans know what it is like in Detroit. The last time the Steelers made it to the Super Bowl, I was only 6 so I don't remember. So I'm so excited for the Super Bowl on Sunday! I can't wait to see the Steelers play, and hopefully win. You've done an amazing job getting the team this far. GOOD LUCK and GO STEELERS!
Posted by: Cailyn | January 31, 2006 at 11:10 AM
Ben,
Thanks for taking the time to let all your fans know what it is like in Detroit. The last time the Steelers made it to the Super Bowl, I was only 6 so I don't remember. So I'm so excited for the Super Bowl on Sunday! I can't wait to see the Steelers play, and hopefully win. You've done an amazing job getting the team this far. GOOD LUCK and GO STEELERS!
Posted by: Cailyn | January 31, 2006 at 11:11 AM
Bring it home man! Bring it home!
Posted by: DJ | January 31, 2006 at 11:14 AM
Ben,
God bless you for being the amazing person you are.
I know you'll lead the Steelers to a victory in Detroit, and I cannot wait to wave my Terrible Towel proudly!! You make us diehard Steelers fans SO incredibly proud!
Have a BLAST in Detroit, and we'll be ready and waiting to celebrate your victory when you get back to Pittsburgh!
With all my love,
Krissy
Posted by: Krissy | January 31, 2006 at 11:17 AM
Ben, you are awesome! Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences in Detroit with us. You are living a dream, so enjoy it. You deserve it! As well as all the other Steelers! You promised The Bus you would take him there and you have. I can't tell you what an amazing guy I think you are. You & the team give me hope that dreams do come true! May God Bless you & the entire team and coaches. Good Luck! BIG BIG BEN FAN in Akron, Oh!
Posted by: Melissa | January 31, 2006 at 11:22 AM
Hey Ben, its wonderful that you are letting us see what its like during this very exciting week of your life.
im from detroit, actually a suburb about 20 minutes north and im ecstatic that our city is able to host you and your whole team this week -- unfortunately im stuck on the west side of the state at college...but im returning because, like jerome, i dont want to miss this superbowl in my hometown
hope detroit treats you great, you deserve it! Good luck, have fun, and win :)
Posted by: Alisa | January 31, 2006 at 11:32 AM
Thanks, Ben, for sharing Day one with me! I hope you have a great time and get lots of rest for Sunday! We're all so excited for you and the others! Go Steelers!
Posted by: claudia | January 31, 2006 at 11:34 AM
We're all cheering you on from Johnstown, PA!!! Best of luck on Sunday!! I want to see that ring on your finger!
MG
Posted by: MG | January 31, 2006 at 11:36 AM
Hello Ben and the team,
Ben, I just want to say, Thanks for sharing your dairy with us while enjoying the biggest stage in your career in the National Football League. Detroit is a great city to explore and Bussie will definitely take the team on a real treat. I hope Bussie does take yinz all to Greektown, cause that was one of my favorite entertainment area when I stayed in Detroit.
Ben, on the behalf of our family at Mcmillenandwife.com, Steelers Extravagnza website, I recommend you checking us out sometime http://mcmillenandwife.com/index.html
We dearly love you guys to death. The season you put on and the sacrifices all the players have done to get Bussie home to Detroit has been an inspiration.
Win or Lose, we are always proud of you guys. We all at Mcmillenandwife.com knows you will bring the trophy home and play your hearts out. God Bless you all and we wish you all the very best in blessings, thoughts, and prayers.
You are Pittsburgh, make us proud, bring HOME THE ONE FOR THE THUMB.
God Bless and Sincerely,
David Saurer
Steelers Maniac
Mcmillenandwife.com
Here we go Steelers, Here we go.
Posted by: David Saurer | January 31, 2006 at 11:42 AM
Ben-I am so excited for you! I'm just excited all together! Have fun this week...it's going to be great! Obviously...it's the Super Bowl!!!!! Good Luck!
Posted by: Emily | January 31, 2006 at 11:45 AM
Ben,
You are truly a class act! My husband and I are both wearing our jerseys and I've been sporting my got ben? t shirt regularly the past week to support you guys! Thanks for helping to get our team to the Super Bowl, and more importantly, for taking "The Bus" home! You're in our thoughts and prayers! Good luck Sunday! It is so cool of you to share your experiences with those of us who think you guys are the best. You are an inspiration! You are all the BEST!! Keep up the good work and see you on Sunday!
Posted by: Trish Z | January 31, 2006 at 11:53 AM
hey ben good luck
Posted by: brandon weible | January 31, 2006 at 11:55 AM
Hey,
Just wanted to say that we all believe in you and the team and are confident that you can bring home one for the thumb. Stay focused and true to yourself and all will end well.
Good Luck
Heather
Posted by: HEATHER | January 31, 2006 at 12:02 PM
Ben,
Thanks for taking the time to fill us in. Just wanted to say that we all believe in you and the team and are confident that you can bring home one for the thumb. Stay focused and true to yourself and all will end well.
Good Luck
Heather
Posted by: HEATHER | January 31, 2006 at 12:02 PM
Hi Ben, I'm so thrilled that you are keeping us updated with everything that is going on. As you can probably imagine, our local news in the Burgh has been nothing but Steelers since you guys left. But it's nice to hear the actual experience coming from you. I wish you the best of times and much luck in the game on Sunday!
Love
Bowser
Posted by: Bowser | January 31, 2006 at 12:23 PM
Ben,
All our thoughts and prayers are with you and the team. I'm sure it's hard to stay focused with everything that's going on. New place, all the media, etc. All of us at home here in Pittsburgh will be watching and waiting as the team wins the one for thumb and the Bus.....GOOD LUCK Darla
Posted by: DARLA | January 31, 2006 at 12:28 PM
Ben,
All our thoughts and prayers are with you and the team. I'm sure it's hard to stay focused with everything that's going on. New place, all the media, etc. All of us at home here in Pittsburgh will be watching and waiting as the team wins the one for thumb and the Bus.....GOOD LUCK Darla
Posted by: DARLA | January 31, 2006 at 12:28 PM
Ben,
You are definately one incredible person! I know you can lead our beloved black and gold team into victory! It has been a long time since I have seen the City of Pittsburgh so excited and proud. Have fun in Detroit and we will see you once history has been made. Thank you for a fantastic season!
Posted by: Tamara | January 31, 2006 at 12:35 PM
Hey Ben!
I just wanted to say that I want you to have a great time in Detroit. Savor every minute. Good Luck, your fans are rooting you and the Steelers on!
Your fan
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Bocook | January 31, 2006 at 12:36 PM
Ben,
Thanks for keeping it real and bringing so much excitement back to this great team. The Broncos, Colts and Bengals are all better than the Seahawks. Try to just keep doing what you have been doing for one more game and you will forever have your place in history.
Good Luck on Sunday Ben! Steeler nation will always have your back.
JJ in New Jersey
Posted by: JJ | January 31, 2006 at 12:42 PM
Ben! You were fantastic last season, and this season you're completely in charge and looking great!!! We're all so proud to have you leading the Steelers.
The Steelers are on fire and nothing will stand in their way in winning that trophy in Detroit!
Go Big Ben, and GO STEELERS!
Posted by: Cheryl | January 31, 2006 at 12:47 PM
Hey Ben!
I just want to say good luck in the supper bowl and you are my favorite Steeler. I really hope everything is going good for you even tho things are not for me. Im going through a break up with my boyfriend of almost a year (on Valentines Day) and even tho that may not seem like a long time for me it was. Even tho ill probably be watchign the super bowl alone ill STILL be cheering for you. GOOD LUCK BEN
LOVE YA!
Megan
Posted by: ~*~Megan~*~ | January 31, 2006 at 12:54 PM
Ben,
For the time in my life I am addicted to football. It all started when you got drafted. Now my hubby thinks I am nuts, but I have to listen, watch, whatever about the steelers. But, it has been the most exciting time of my life. When the steelers won in Indy, that was the second best day of my life, of course my wedding was number one. When you guys win this sunday, it will be one of the best days of my life. Go get em!
Posted by: patty thomas | January 31, 2006 at 01:01 PM
Ben,
I grew up down the street from the Pakorny's, and what you did by stopping over their house is deep-felt by all of us. Coach Raich is a friend of mine (he's a close friend of my bro-in-law JT Irons). Being from "Steel Town", all we had was the Steelers (I don't need to tell you that). But if we stop now, there's nothing more. WE HAVE ONE MORE GAME TO PLAY. My prayers and support are with you and the team. I'm Motor City bound Saturday and will be getting the fans fired up!
All the best and get one for the thumb,
Steve Leo
Posted by: Steve Leo in NYC from Aliquippa | January 31, 2006 at 01:01 PM