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
Ben, glad your going to be okay "life-wise", though I'm a lil PISSED to say the least in your refusal to wear a helmet when "EVERYONE" counts on you when your ON THE FIELD.
Oh well...like I'm being told....he only lives once...don't pick on him...let him alone...yadda yadda yadda...still...your a lil immature still and you should have known better.
Prayers for you and your loved ones on a speedy health-wise recovery. If you make it back on-the-field, GREAT! But if not, that's okay too. We got one for the thumb and that cannot be taken away...
SteelerDoug64063
Posted by: SteelerDoug64063 | June 13, 2006 at 10:52 AM
Ben,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Injuries heal. We are just glad to know you made it out alive. Life is precious, especially when in an instant it could be lost. Stay safe for your family and loved ones.
Lynette
Posted by: Lynette | June 13, 2006 at 11:02 AM
Hay Big Ben hope u recover from the wreck before the football season Im your biggest fan
Posted by: mike | June 13, 2006 at 11:14 AM
Dear Ben,
I Heard about your accident and I hope you get better real soon !!
Your #1 Fan,
Julia
Posted by: Julia | June 13, 2006 at 02:59 PM
Hey Ben, Im interested in your bike for parts. Mainly for the ignition switch.
Posted by: Daddy | June 15, 2006 at 08:55 PM
Ben, Your statement released after leaving the hospital is a blessed one, and you are a blessed example...challenges are opportunities...at times God is knocking, and you answered the call fully! I am proud of you, thankful it wasn't a harder lesson, and so excited for your seizing this opportunity. Kudos Ben...and Prayers for a speedy recovery, for your peace of mind, and for your being better after this challenge than before, I know it will bless you richly. Your friend
Posted by: A Fan | June 16, 2006 at 08:12 PM
Ben I just wish that I knew you a whole lot better because everyone on the other thread are really hurt ful people except for a few of them all they do is laugh and tease and make fun of and i don't like that at all
Posted by: NABO | July 05, 2006 at 03:19 PM