TUESDAY -

Sorry for getting a bit behind on this.  As you can imagine, my schedule has been crazy out here in Detroit.  So Tuesday was a day off, like our usual Tuesdays during the season, but during Super Bowl week that just means I didn't throw any passes.  Tuesday before the Super Bowl is traditionally media day, and let me tell you, it's a spectacle.  I didn't really know what to expect, but now I understand where the hype around this game comes from.  We got on the buses from our hotel at 7:45am and went to the Stadium.  Ford Field will always be special to me, because that's where I played my first NFL game, in the preseason last year.  We went into our locker room and put on our game pants and jerseys.  Yes, we are wearing white jerseys, and yes, that is fine by me.  It's pretty funny to see football players in their uniform without pads on.  Not the most figure flattering sight.  We did some short tapings and photo shoots for promotional stuff and the game telecast.  From there, we went onto the field, and some of us had to sit individually at podiums and answer questions for about an hour.  As we walked onto the field, what seemed like thousands of media people poured down from the stands to the field.  I answered questions for the entire hour - many of which were repeated - but none that were too crazy.  Lots of questions about my beard and hair.  For the record, the hair will stay after the game, the beard will go, most likely on Monday.  There were lots of questions about my family and Findlay and things that I enjoy talking about.  Following the media day, we returned to the hotel and grabbed lunch with my agent, Ryan.  I then rested for a while.  I met up with Ryan again later, did a magazine interview, then went downtown to meet up with Warren Moon, Fox Analyst James Brown (JB) and few others for dinner.  Warren is a partner with my agents and someone I can turn to for advise.  This is a big week for him, as he awaits the final vote this weekend on his induction into the Hall of Fame.  He is a great guy and was such a great quarterback and football pioneer - I really hope he gets in this year.  Apparently it's a loaded ballot, so if not this year, I'm sure it will happen soon.  JB is someone I've gotten to know and really admire.  He is a quality human being.  We had a fun dinner and shared some great stories.  So far, it's been unreal to see what revolves around the Super Bowl.  For us as a team, we want to take time to enjoy it, but our real focus is lining up on Sunday and playing a tough football game.  I look forward to the start of the game, because all of the hoop-la goes away and regardless of how many millions of people are watching around the world, there are only so many in the stands and 11 on 11 on the field.  Wednesday is important day of practice for us.  I will report more when I can.  Thanks again for the support.  -Ben

Comments

[Christina]

Hey Ben! Got to see some of the Media Day coverage from yesterday and I just have to say that I am absolutely amazed at how you and the rest of the guys were able to keep your composure, I definitely would not have been able to handle being on a stage as large as that! Thanks for letting us in on your experience, it's been very cool to read what it's like for you. Have a great couple of days of practice, and best of luck on Sunday!
~Christina, 20, Pittsburgh

ps. and for the record...glad that you're keeping the hair! ;-)

[Lisa]

Ben,
Go get that one for the thumb and bring it on back to pittaburgh!! Good Luck to you and the entire team! GO STEELERS!!

[Kate]

Ben -- as hard as it has been being a Steelers fan in Denver (my students begged me not to rub it in their face after you guys won :) ) At least they understand my reasons (Miami class of '04!) They're all rooting for you guys, as am I...I loved watching you play at MU and though it's not live-and-in-person anymore, I can't wait for Sunday!

Kate
Denver, CO, 23

[Bianca]

Hey Ben,
I've seen some footage from media day yesterday and you handled it very well! I couldn't imagine being in front of all those reporters and having to answer all those questions, but you did a great job. I'm sure you enjoyed the tour of Detroit, it's a fun city! We'll you guys have a lot of practicing to do and I see you guys have a team breakfast on ESPN (which my brother is excited to see on TV!) tomorrow. Hope you enjoy the Superbowl experience and I know you guys will play a great game! Wish I could've gone to the game, but I'll be watching it here in Toledo, OH & cheering you on! Good Luck!! Oh and one more thing, you look good with or without the beard!

Bianca

[Kristi]

Hi Ben! I am a huge Miami U. fan-season ticket holder beginning with your last year. That was a great year of football at Miami! When you signed with the Steelers I became an instant fan. I went to two games this year-regular season at Cincy and the playoff game in Indianapolis. Both games were fantastic! I am so excited about Sunday, it has been torture waiting for two weeks. Thanks for taking the time to keep us posted on what is happening in Detroit. I have always loved football, but the last three years have been incredible watching you play and what you have accomplished in college and the NFL! Good luck on Sunday and remember to enjoy the experience-your fans definately are!

[HEATHER]

Well, thanks for writing to us....or having someone write for you. I am sure all of you on the team are busy. Good luck with all the hype, everyone seems to love you now. Just remember your faith in God!! Now, let's beat those seahawks!! GO STEELERS!!
Heather

[Victoria]

Hey Ben, Feel a little strange, that me a person, who will be celebrating her 29th anniv of her 21st birthday this year is leaving you a comment. But, I couldn't resist. You have such poise, karisma and street smarts for a guy your age. I have a son much older than you, how proud I am of him too, just as your parents are of you. Can I tell you that I now live in Connecticut, however my hometown and home is Pittsburgh, and will always be Pittsburgh. You and the rest of the team, coaches and The Rooneys have brought Steeler Nation together again, as if we could take on the world! I am flying home to the 'burgh Friday to meet up with some close friends one is from San Fran, and one from Atlanta. We are coming HOME...to get together at Station Square and watch this awesome team play the game of a lifetime ===Best of Luck to you...and thanks for bringing some old friends together after 10 yrs!! What a great way and reason to see each other again !!!! Luv the Black N Gold!!!

[debbie]

BEN I THINK IT IS SO COOL THAT YOU ARE TAKING THE TIME TO WRITE TO ALL OF YOUR FANS. I KNOW YOU MUST BE SO BUSY OUT IN DETROIT.YOU ARE AN OUTSTANDING FOOTBALL PLAYER AND GOD BLESS YOU.OH AND YOUR DOG IS SO CUTE JUSY LIKE YOU. IHAVE A DOG NAMED POOCH HE IS MY BEST FRIEND. GOOD LUCK. EVEN THOUGH I AM FROM THE NJ NY AREA IAM A STEELERS FAN.GO STEELERS.

[TONI]

HI BEN,
STAY FOCUSED,STAY FOCUSED,STAY FOCUSED,STAY FOCUSED....GET MY POINT...LOL.....YOU AND THE WHOLE TEAM MAKES THE BURGH AND THE FANS ALL OVER THE WORLD PROUD!!!!

[HEATHER]

Hey Ben,
great job handling the media. you looked poised, calm, cool and collected. Do not let any of the other crap that they are saying now get you down. Stay focused. When you get back to the burgh, let's hang out.

[Kelsey]

Ben,
As Steelers fans, we are soo lucky to have you as the starting Quarterback. What other QB in the NFL cares that his fans LOVE to know what he's up to in D-town.
Thank you SO much!!
-Kelsey

[Lisa Velasquez (in Texas)]

I can't believe you're posting (even through Ryan) during this week. What a testament to your fans. For a 2nd year QB who has suddenly been thrust into a huge national arena, you're showing an amazing amount of poise and grace. Of course, that's where your fan support comes from anyway!

I work (and live close) to Galveston, Texas and can tell you that this place is crazy for the Steelers, cheering Casey Hampton (graduated from Ball High School in Galveston) on and enjoying it. I grew up in Wellsville Ohio, and lived in Pittsburgh for 7 years, so it's fun to see my team get so much support even in a town filled with Cowboys fans. I work with someone who knows Casey and his family, so we've had a great time this week. My cubicle at work is completely decked out in Black & Gold, plus a Terrible Towel, and lots of player photos.

Best of luck... we're all pulling for you, Jerome, and the rest of the team. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

P.S. The beard is growing on me. I might miss it when it's gone.

[nicolea]

ummm.. yeah, have to agree you guys looked just a little silly in the uniforms. ha. But you all handled yourselves very well. I think one of the announcers said you should be called Aqua Ben since you are so cool under pressure. Looking forward to seeing your pictures. Thanks for keeping us updated, and thanks Ryan for transcribing.

[Stephenie]

Hey Ben,
I have all my friends a stir up in WI cheering for you. I also think you did an amazing job handling all the media being plastered to ESPN every spare moment. I have to agree that I'd miss my dog as well, being a fellow rottie owner myself. I'll be praying for you and Jerome from our SOUPer Bowl on Sunday, so good luck and kick some butt!

[christie]

loved the way you handled media day..... remember where you came from and that God is #1, and im sure you do even with all the hype....... i work in a nursing home and believe me even the elderly love you we sing the fight song together!! go steelers we love you big ben !!

[Tammy]

Ben, you probably won't read this until after Sunday...but I just wanna wish you good luck! No one deserves this more than you guys! You have worked hard all year, and have shown the world by coming in from 6th to to Super Bowl, you are definitely worth the recognition! And we are SO blessed to have you as our quarterback for our beloved Steelers! You are amazing, and I've missed having a quarterback on my favorite team that we can cheer for and count on! Great year, Ben! Good luck Sunday! We'll be watching and cheering you on!

[Keith Allen, Lori Allen, Josh Allen, Jake Allen]

Dear Ben,

Jake wrote a letter to Bill Cowher last year to put you in as quarterback permanently! He is only 14 and sure was not wrong! He is already 220 and working hard to come and be your teammate. He is trying to pack a lot of muscle on! We love you Ben! You are the savior for the Pittsburgh Steelers! Please, please, please wear your helmet when you ride your motorcycle! We don't want anything to happen to you! Our family also really admires the way you give praise to God. If you can ever give us a call sometime, especially to Jake for inspiration in the coming years. Our number is 1-317-244-6307. Good luck to you and the whole team Sunday! May God be with you, your family, friends and teammates. Keep spreading the "Good News!".

Love,
The Allens

[Rich]

Thank You, I really "Enjoy" your "Show".
I would like to pass one comment on, I watched a game between the Steelers and Bengels in Pittsburgh where Kevin Greene sacked Boomer Eisisson, Boomer didn't have the ball! Boomer was the best at "Faking" players out, drawing just one player away could make a difference!
Rich

[BOB D.]

YO BEN, ONE FOR THE THUMB DUDE!!

[ALICE]

BEN,
PRAYING FOR YOU AND KNOW YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT DAY ON SUNDAY! ENJOY THE MOMENT!
LOVE, ALICE

[BenPFJ1958]

Ben,

All three of my children were born in Columbus. OH but bleed black and gold ! "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me" Phillipans 4:13
You are a winner at the most important game in this life - salvation. Praying that as we win the Super Bowl that you will give all the praise honor and glory to Jesus Christ.

"never underestimate my Jesus" from the song "for the moments I feel faint" by relient k

[Sherry Bailey]

Dear Mr. Roethlisberger,

I don't know if you personally will read this but I'm taking that chance. I just want you to know that my son's birthday is Feb. 2nd. He will be 14. He has been watching you since college, prayed the Steelers would draft you and was extremely excited when they did. You said in your interviews after the Colts game, "No one thought we could do it except the guys in the locker room." But I know that you know your fans believed in you and the team. My son especially kept telling us, "It will be tough, but they'll do it, I know." We are tried and true Steeler fans in our house. Adam (my son) keeps saying, "All I want for my birthday is for the Steelers to win the Superbowl." So, please know that we can't all be in Detroit but our thoughts and prayers are with you and the team. You're all so deserving because you are humble and prayerful people who work together. None of you are in it for your own glory, but for the team and your fans. Keep the confidence and the cool, and know that when the Steelers win,(being confident...not prideful)there will be much celebrating going on back in PA but especially from one 14 year old kid who will have received the best birthday present ever!

[Kathy]

Hi Ben,
Would like to thank you all tor the excitement in the playoff
games. I remember when the team was 7-5 in the season and telling all my friends "The Steelers have a great chance of going to the Super Bowl. They have got a lot of great players." Some laughed and some would just shake their heads. I know with the talent the Steelers have you all can make this dream come true. Good Luck!Go get the one for the THUMB!!!!!!!!!!

[ALICE]

bEN
THE HAIR , THE BEARD....WITH OR WITHOUT IT, YOU ARE THE ULTIMATE PACKAGE! HAVE FUN SUNDAY!!
ALICE

[Donna Kramer]

Ben & Company -
Do what you know to do on Sunday and remember what the Book of Daniel says: "They entered the lion's den and were not harmed"
God bless all of you, good luck and have fun.
D:)