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

[~*~ fmc ~*~]

Hi Ben,
It's great to hear from you. Thanks for thinking of us. I'm so proud of you and all the guys. You've done Pittsburgh proud! Thank you for including us in your Super Bowl frenzy. I've been on pins and needles. It's like "play the game already!"

You know, you're gonna think I'm crazy, maybe rightly so, but I really feel that the Lord has led you here, to Pittsburgh. You know, 11th draft pick, playing basketball in high school...if any of those things had happened differently you wouldn't be here, a Steeler.

You have such an opportunity, such an awesome responsibilty. Whether you want to be or not, you're a role model. Young and old alike are watching you, not only as a gifted QB (and DB, too) ;) but as a person.

I've said this all season, but I really do pray for you and the whole team. And, no, not for wins, but for health, fun, safety. But as the season has gone on and especially this week, I've prayed wisdom and humility for you. You have such an awesome God-given talent and it would be so easy for you to believe the hype, get caught up in "Steeler Fever", or "Ben Fever". But, Ben I pray that your feet remain firmly on the ground. I see a Roethlisberger charitable organization in your future. I see bombarding tv, magazines, more merchandising... In all those things I pray that you'll seek the Lord's will and wisdom.

You seem to be such a caring, humble man. One who serves the Lord and uses the talents He's given you. Don't ever change.

You're a joy to watch on the field and I believe this team, our team can start wonderful things on Sunday. Ripples that will expand and grow each year. You all have grown and changed so much this year. You truly are a GODSEND for us, Ben. Believe it. You were sent here, to us, to further serve your purpose and to further ours. I pray for you peace of mind, a calm spirit, focus and fun for this week. I know you'll come home with the ring. The first of many.

God Bless you this week and always.
As always, you're on my mind and in my prayers,
fmc

[chrissy]

good luck to you guys on the game!! We are all cheering for you! You should see the nursing home i work in, somebody put pictures and newspaper articles up all around the building, the residents are so excited about the up coming game. We are having a "tail-gate" party for them on the 3, alot of them cant wait. i so can not wait for sunday!

[Mary Mac]

hi ben!

as fans i have to say we're all so proud of our pittsburgh steelers! and we couldn't be happier for you all. ok...that was lie...a win sunday would make us happier! only so we could celebrate your accomplishment through our lives and eyes. especially people like me who are disabled and have lost so much of and in our lives. you're all not just running, throwing, making the hits for yourselves, but your doing it for those of us who no longer can and will never know the joy of being out on the field and getting down and dirty playing on saturdays so we could celebrate and watch the steelers on sunday. you all make us all so proud to be a part of steeler nation and your devoted fans. you're all a part of our families and our daily lives. we sit and break bread with you all every sunday as the games go over or into over time. and i'm so proud to see such a great team that respects each other more than themselves going out on that field every week. you have all brought being gentlemen...even joey porter, LOL!...back to the game. its a pleasure to watch class come back to the game, and it is more than a pleasure to be able to watch you all play every sunday. to be able to invite you all into our lives and be a part of it every season; preseason, regular season, and our favorite...post season. ONE FOR THE BUS BABY! all of us back here will be sending out good vibrations out to detroit to all of you, all day sunday! no matter what, you're all the very best in our book. make it a good one for all of us who can't participate.

just one request please...don't make my pain level rise like it did when you played the colts. my pain level was much better when you all broke the bronco's. i could live and celebrate with that. many blessings to you all! mary mac

[Mary Mac]

hi ben!

as fans i have to say we're all so proud of our pittsburgh steelers! and we couldn't be happier for you all. ok...that was lie...a win sunday would make us happier! only so we could celebrate your accomplishment through our lives and eyes. especially people like me who are disabled and have lost so much of our lives. you're all not just running, throwing, making the hits for yourselves, but your doing it for those of us who will never know the joy of being out on the field, getting down and dirty on saturdays so we could celebrate the steelers on sunday. you all make us all so proud. you're all a part of our families and our daily lives. and i'm so proud to see such a great team that respects each other more than themselves going out on that field every week. you have all brought being gentlemen...even joey porter...back to the game. its a pleasure to watch class come back to the game, and it is more than a pleasure to be able to watch you all play every sunday. to be able to invite you all into our lives and be a part of it every season. preseason, regular season, and our favorite...post season. ONE FOR THE BUS BABY! all of us back here will be sending out good vibrations out to detroit to all, all day sunday! blessings to you all! mary mac

[elizabeth]

hey ben.
thanks so much for keeping us posted. i love reading your blog. for the past two weeks my wordrobe has been nothing but steelers. this entire week in school is steelers week. i'm so proud of you guys. GOOD LUCK ON SUNDAY!! i'll be watching the game routing for you and the rest of the team.

[*Mansi*]

Hey Ben,
I saw some highlights from media day. I think you did a great job. u were calm and funny. Neway,I hope u had great practice yesterday. Have a great day today and I cant wait to see u guys on sunday. BTW, what size does Jerome really wear? Just kidding. Luv ya
MANSI

[Riki/SteelerGal]

hey ben
thank you for tellimg us about what goes on in you life i love reading about it. good job and good luck!!!!!!!! give zeus a pat for me thanks I LOVE YOU
LOVE
Riki Steeler Gal
p.s. when are you put more pics up cant wate to see them!
CAGE THE SEAHALKS!!!!!!!!!!

[Daniela]

Hi Ben,
only heard on the radio about your game on sunday.
Wishing you all the best and good luck for the big game.. go and get it champ!

sending you kind regards from switzerland
daniela

[Julie]

You Go Ben!! This comes from Chris, Jill, Stephen , Matthew they are my best friends in the Berg and from me and my family here in Dallas, Yes I am a Die hard cowgirl!!!! But I am rooting for you to the only time I ever rooted for the Steelers in my life and I may never live it down you better win!

[Kat]

hey ben... jus wanted to say that we are gettin ready to head to the burgh for another pep rally!! u kno we'll be thinkin bout ya!!!

ps... u kno that song.. im in love w/ stripper? haha well they re-made it and there is now one called im in love w/ a steeler!! lol thought u might like that..

ttyl...

*Kat*

[Jana]

Ben,
Hey! I just wanted to let you know that I think it is great that you let us know what is going on in your life. I love reading this. I have always been a big fan of the Steelers. I think the way you act on and off the field shows what a great guy you are. I am so impressed by the way that you conduct yourself. I flew out to the AFC game in Colorado and seeing you shake every single persons hand on your team before the game was worth every penny spent to get there. It was also worth all of the peanut shells and beer glasses that hit me in the head. haha You truly are a wonderful person.

Oh yeah I forgot to tell you. My sisters one friend dated you. :) I am sure you wanted to know that.

Thanks again.

[Bethany Greene]

Thanks soo much for writting Ben! It's so cool to be able to read about what's it's like for you as an NFL QB going to the Super Bowl.
I'm glad that you're keeping the hair. I just read somewhere that you get your curls from your Mom, Ida. I was wondering if that's why you're keeping it long enough to show the curls. You're all in my prayers.

Bethany Greene

1 Timothy 4:12

[Sherri]

Good luck on Sunday! Email me if you want to talk...
srcoop22@hotmail.com

[Tricia D.]

Hi Ben, This is my first time writing to you. My whole family are huge Fans. My husband and I have been married 25 years now. We were married in October and since it was during Football season we delayed our Honeymoon until after we watched the Steelers on Sunday, because where we were going, we would have missed it. Thats the way it's always been for us. We plan our lives around the Steelers season. Anyway, I just want to say you are doing a wonderful job here and we are so fortunate that you came to us. You show a genuine affection for all us crazy Fans!! We all love you and your guys, and wish you all safety and success. I know in my heart that we can win the Big Game, but if fate has her own ideas, just remeber we are Proud of you and your teammates accomplishments. God Bless you and your guys and Thank You so much for all the new memories you are bringing to my family. My 14 yr. old son Logan has dreams of the NFL, and you are a great role model for him to look up too. Tell Jerome we are pulling for him. He deserves it all! Thanks for listening, Tricia

[Jenni]

I just want to stop by and wish you all the best for the game Sunday. Thanks for taking the time to update the fans and let us know what is going on during superbowl week. You are an awesome player and part of a great team. Good luck and beat those Seahawks!!!

[amanda]

Hey Ben, Thanks so much for updating your blog. Despite the busy week before the Big game, I was so happy to hear from you! It gives the fans the chance to understand what you are going through right now. I am sure this is overwhelming for you but I know you can handle it!!

The best of luck to all of you!

Mandi :)

[TinaB]

Hey Ben:
Congratulations!!! You are doing a great job on and off the field. Those reporters can be brutal!! You gotta win Sunday!! (my dad is a Browns fan). Can you believe it? But he is cheering on the Steelers from Florida. Lots of family in Florida and all over cheering for the Steelers. Good Luck to all of you! Don't get hurt and have Fun! See ya all when you get back to Pittsburgh! Hey how about the Bettis family?? Wow you all must have enjoyed that meal and being together. How nice. You and your team are such great role models. Keep your eye on Hines, he will be there for you Sunday! God Bless, ~tina

[Melissa]

Ben-
G00D LUCK in Detroit. Let's get one for the thumb and one for the Bus. Thanks for taking time out during your busy week to update your blog. Yourself and the team are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love one of your biggest fans,
Melissa Jordan

[Julie]

Hey Ben! Thanks so much for keeping us up to date on media week. It is soo interesting to hear what happens during the week before the Superbowl! Thanks again! :)

[Kathy]

Hello Ben,
I wanted to let you know you have really made my nephew a happy little guy. He actually had a chance to meet you at the WWE here in Pittsburgh. In fact I have a picture of you and him together. I just wanted to say thank you for that very important moment you have given to Billy, and also to let you know how something that may seem like nothing to you, can mean the world to someone else. Thank you for being a positive role model to all those young boys, and hopefully will influence or encourage them to follow their dreams and stay on the right track.

Sincerely,

Kathy - Pittsburgh

[Sharon Lyons]

Dear Ben,
What a joy it has been for you and your team. I was born & raised in Pittsburgh; but live about 30 miles west now. All of my kids are great steeler fans and it is generational, as all of my grandchildren - 8 - all are steeler fans - one in particular, Emily, (10) from Tega Cay, SC. Her room is decorated in all of the steeler things. So for Emily, go do it on Sunday! Thanks for the ride. God Bless and Keep All of You!!! Sharon, Industry PA

[Louanne, South Park]

Thanks for the updates Ben.

Glad to see all of you back to work. All of the Steeler fans are so ready for the game Sunday. I can't imagine what all of you are going through.

Did Will Ferrell get in touch with you yet? LOL In case you don't recall, there was an interviewer that said you looked like him. I'm still deciding!

Glad you are keeping your hair long. Looks good on you.

Will look for your next update.

Take care Ben,
Louanne

[Amanda]

Hey Ben, just wanted to say good luck on Sunday! I was at the Chicago game which began this winning streak and knew then that you guys could make it to the Super Bowl. You and the rest of the team all seem like such nice, down-to-earth guys and you all deserve the ring! Thanks for updating the blog, it's interesting to see things from the inside! GO STEELERS!

[Mandy]

I am glad you are enjoying yourself in Detroit..I am getting more nervous as teh week goes on so i can only imagine what you are thinking...I cant wait for the game..I am glad to hear that the beard will be gone b/c you look a lot sexier without it =)
GO STEELERS!!!

[Holly Clark]

HEY BEN US HERE IN DOVER DELAWARE WILL BE CHEERING YOU AND THE GUYS ON THIS SUNDAY. YOUR THE BEST QB IN THE NFL... AND THE CUTEST! WE HAVE FAITH IN OUR STEELERS, BEST OF LUCK. ROCK ON STEEL CITY!!!! Holly....