Big Ben 7, The Official Site of Super Bowl Champion Ben Roethlisberger

A time to stop and give thanks to our military…


With all my heart I give my thanks,

to those in uniform regardless of ranks.


You serve our country and serve it well,

with humble hearts your stories tell.


So as I rest my weary eyes,

while freedom rings our flag still flies.


You give your all, do what you must,

with God we live and God we trust.


Amen. — (author unknown)


*Thank you to Greg Yakubick, Lance Cpl., U.S. Marine Corps, for sending the prayer.




“All gave some, some gave all…”

Take a moment this weekend to watch this tribute to our soldiers, past & present, and our police and fire heroes -





If you are unable to view the video above, you can view it here.




It’s never too early…

to sponsor a wreath for a fallen soldier’s grave during the holiday season!

Memorial Day may herald the start of summer vacations for many, but donations are already being accepted for the 2013 Wreaths Across America Remembrance Ceremony, which is scheduled for December 14th, 2013.

From their website:

“Our mission: Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies a specified Saturday in December at Arlington, as well as veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. We also organize a week of events including international veteran’s tributes, ceremonies at State Houses and a week-long “Veteran’s Parade” between Maine and Virginia where we stop along the way to spread our message about the importance of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms.

“This week of events is made possible by thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths, and participate in the events. We receive no government funding. The cost of our programs is paid by individual wreaths sponsors, corporate donors and volunteer truckers.”


If you would like to sponsor wreaths to be placed on the graves of our military this December, now is the time!


To donate and to learn how you can take part in this wonderful organization, click here.

Or…Steeler Nation on vacation!

Our latest Fan Photos post includes not one, but TWO photos sent last month from fans who took their Terrible Towels with them on vacation to the beautiful country of Italy!


Carl Stresing and his girlfriend, Jeni Sharp, showing their Steeler pride (with both Towel and warm headwear) while on a gondola in Venice!


“I went to Italy during Easter week this year with high school students. I am a history teacher at Greece Athena High School in Rochester, NY. I am in Philly tonight. I traveled 6 hours to meet Ben tomorrow (May 4, 2013). I took other pics with Antonio Brown’s shirt in Rome, the Vatican City and Florence.” – Carl Stresing



Kate Mahjoubian stops to pose in front of one of Italy’s most famous landmarks, La Piazza Dei Miracoli, or as we know it – the Leaning Tower of Pisa!


“The story of The Pisa Pic: My daughter is studying abroad this semester (she goes to Washington State University) and because I have been in Hong Kong and unable to ever attend ‘Mom’s Weekend’ in Washington State, my husband sent me over to Italy to visit. My towel goes everywhere now.” – Kate Mahjoubian



You can check out the newest photos submitted by fans in the past few weeks, including an Italian Terrible Towel here, and photos of Steeler Nation’s two newest members here.

Ben stopped for an impromptu interview with the media after the first day of OTAs.

“I’m excited to be that guy that is the leader for those guys and to help them, because I’m here to win games!” – Ben on stepping into more of a leadership role this season.

He also spoke about the great team turnout, the plethora of new and returning wide receivers, and his continuing comfort with Coach Haley’s offense. Some highlights:

Was it good to see the turnout today?

Yeah. I kind of expected it on day one. There were a lot of good things. It’s good to be back out here.


Larry Foote was talking about a different feel to this offseason. Do you think it has a different feel?

I can judge off what it was like out here today. Obviously, I’ve been here the last couple of weeks when we’ve been doing things. It’s good to see guys. It’s definitely different because we’ve got a lot of new guys and new faces. I know the guys that are here are ready to rock and roll and the young guys are ready to contribute.


Do you feel different now that you are in year two in this offense?

Yeah, a little bit. There’s a little more comfort. There has been some changes this off-season in some of the offensive philosophies, playbook and some things that I think are good. It’s some compromise from all different position coaches, running back coaches, line, and quarterback coaches. I think we’ve taken a little bit of everything and made it a lot better. You can ask anybody on offense that, including coaches, and they’ll tell you that we all like the way the offense is and where it’s going.


In what way is it different?

You’ll have to wait and see. We can’t tell. You’ll have to wait until the first game. It’s like the review of a movie.


You can watch and listen to the video of his interview here.

You can also check out a full gallery of photos from today’s OTA here!



And yesterday:

Ben was on the golf course for the 20th Annual Hoge-Starks-Ward Celebrity Golf Classic.

Merril Hoge, Hines Ward, and Max Starks invited Steelers coaches and players and other local celebrities to play at the Southpointe Golf Club for the annual event..and they came out in force to support The Caring Place!

The Caring Place champions the cause of grieving children by creating awareness of their needs, providing programs for them and their families, and empowering the community to effectively support them.


You can watch video highlights from the tournament here (word to the wise: put on sun glasses before viewing! Maurkice Pouncey’s bright pink and downright groovy ’70′s golf pants may blind you!).

You can view photos from the tournament here.

…you can join Ben, his family, and friends in support of The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation!

“It’s no secret how much the kids mean to me. When someone has a wish and they want to spend it with the Steelers that touches you and is special. For us to be able to do this and be able to have six kids’ wishes come true is awesome. Being there to meet them, shake their hand, sign an autograph means a lot to me.” – Ben, on his support for Make-A-Wish®.

Ben will be hosting his Second Annual Ben Roethlisberger Foundation Fundraiser on June 2nd, at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille in Warrendale, PA.

Proceeds from the event will benefit K-9 Police and Fire Units throughout the country, and Make-A-Wish®.

This fantastic evening will feature a strolling dinner, a live and silent auction, and the music of The American Flyers show band, which will have you dancing in no time!

“He brings a unique perspective because he grants wishes and he is good at that. He gets to make the wish happen. Now with the partnership with his foundation, he is taking it to the next level to allow other wishes to be granted. It’s an amazing thing.” – Leigh Ann Lubarsky, Manager of Program Services for Make-A-Wish, talking about Ben’s impact on the children.

A few of Ben’s teammates, including Brett Keisel, Heath Miller, James Harrison, and Charlie Batch stopped by to show their support last year, as did ESPN’s Merril Hoge. You never know who will show up this year!


Date: Sunday, June 2nd, 2013

Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Place: Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, 103 Slade Lane, Warrendale, PA

Ticket price: $200/per person

Attire: Casual and Comfortable

Please respond by Friday, May 31, 2013

*Must be 21 years of age or older to attend!


You won’t want to miss it so purchase your tickets now!


You can see more photos from last year’s event here.



How about a round of golf the following day?

You can join Ben once again, but this time on the golf course at the Sewickley Heights Golf Club for the Second Annual Ben Roethlisberger Foundation Invitational!

As with the event at Jergels on Sunday night, Monday’s tournament will benefit both Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation.

Since 2007, the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation has made 107 grants totaling more than $950,000 to 102 police and fire departments and five community youth organizations, including Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Make A Wish Foundation. These 102 canine grants have funded the purchase of 66 dogs, the training of 28 dogs and 50 handlers, safety equipment for more than 50 dogs, and training equipment for 31 dogs, as well as food, vet services and housing for countless more.

“The Montgomery County (MD) Sheriffs Office wanted to again thank Ben Roethlisberger and BigBen7.com for the support you have shown our office in the past. Last year we were able to purchase ballistic vests for all of our K9s because of your support.” – Deputy Sheriff James Johnson, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

A total of 112 golfers participated in last year’s tournament with 27 companies and corporations sponsoring the event, including Apollo Jets, Patriot Homes Corporation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PNC, #1 Cochran, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The golfers (and Ben) had a great time with the pre-tournament competitions, which included the Chip Shot Challenge, a Super Bowl XLIII Challenge (throwing the football through the hands of a cardboard Santonio Holmes), Shuffleboard Golf, a “Big Shot” Challenge (driving your way through the AFC North), a $5,000 Putt Challenge, and a $1 million dollar Shootout (165 yard shot). During the tournament, golfers had the opportunity to try their hand at other competitions along the course, including Poker & Roulette Golf, a Men’s and Women’s Long Drive, the Straight Drive, a “Coffin Corner” on the 9th hole, and a TPC Sawgrass “Island Green” hole on the 17th.

Space is limited for the tournament, so make your golfing plans soon!


You can sign up for the tournament, or learn more about it here.

You can see an album full of photos from last year’s Invitational here.


If you unable to attend either event, but would like to make a donation, click here.

You can also purchase tickets for Ben’s “Ultimate Raffle” to benefit his Foundation! Get all the info you need right here.


*Thank you to Jessica Duffaut at the Giving Back Fund, Justin Aquilante at ProServ Events, Sheila Weiner, The Event Group, Dan Jergel, and Teresa Varley, Steelers.com!

But EVERY DAY should be Armed Forces Day!

Thank you to all the men and women who serve, and have served our great country!



And thank you to Jake Robinson (in the #7 jersey), who sent this photo of his Unit serving in Afghanistan.


Honor Our Military

Let’s honor our military,

The men and women who serve,

Whose dedication to our country

Does not falter, halt or swerve.

Let’s respect them for their courage;

They’re ready to do what’s right

To keep America safe,

So we can sleep better at night.

Let’s support and defend our soldiers,

Whose hardships are brutal and cruel,

Whose discipline we can’t imagine,

Who follow each order and rule.

Here’s to those who choose to be warriors

And their helpers good and true;

They’re fighting for American values;

They’re fighting for me and you.


*This beautiful poem was written by Joanna Fuchs.

“We took our granddaughter, age 12, and our grandson, age 7, to Ben’s Youth Camp. What organized chaos! It was an awesome experience for both. Both caught Ben’s passes. They talked about the camp all the way back to Northern Ohio. They have already decided to come back next year, at our expense! We also really enjoyed the experience!” – Linda Hawk, Ohio

There’s still time to sign your child up to join Ben this summer for some football instruction and fun at his Annual Football Camp, sponsored by ProCamps Worldwide…and we’ve got a special offer for those who register this month!

Sign up with the code #SteelerNation and you will get $10 off the registration fee!

But here’s the exciting part:

All campers who register with that code will be entered to win this awesome Steelers football (below) signed by both Big Ben & Coach Tomlin!


Fifth Third Bank and #1 Cochran present the 2013 Ben Roethlisberger Football Camp!

The Camp is open to boys and girls, ages 7-14.

Ben will be joined by a selection of the top prep and college coaches from the area.

Each day, the campers will experience various stations, specializing in fundamental skills of football. Individual groups will be small to assure that each camper gets maximum instruction.

Ben will give daily talks highlighting the finer points of the game of football and beyond. Parents and guests will be able to listen to camp guests in designated areas at each location.

And you never know which of Ben’s teammates will show up to help out #7! Kids that attend Ben’s Camp have had the opportunity to meet and get instruction from Brett Keisel, Charlie Batch, Willie Colon, and even Coach Tomlin!


Dates: June 17th and 18th, 2013

Times: 09:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Place: Seneca Valley High School, Harmony, PA

Cost: $199.*

*If you use the code SteelerNation when you register, you’ll receive a $10 discount off the registration fee, courtesy of ProCamps!

“My son Christian had the time of his life at your camp. You threw him a pass and I managed to get the shot on my camera. What a memory. Awesome two days. Thanks so much, Ben!!!” – Kris Bober

Each camper will receive -

• Camp T-Shirt
• Autographed Camp team photo with Ben
• 7 Hours of expert instruction
• Opportunity to win contests and prizes

In the event of heavy rain or inclement weather, the camp will be moved to a nearby indoor facility. Camp instruction and other related activities will continue inside the facility.

Parents will be notified of the indoor location in the Camp Bulletin that they receive at check-in on the first day of camp.

Additional camp partners include Greater Pittsburgh Physical Therapy, Everlast, and McDonalds. Media partners include KDKA-Channel 2 and WDVE.

“Ben gave out a special award in honor of his college coach, Terry Hoeppner, to a little boy that was hit in the eye with one of Ben’s passes during their championship game yesterday – which ended in a black and blue eye. Ben told the crowd that the young man was hit with the ball, but kept right on playing…never even hesitated to keep pushing. I was watching the game and the boy did grab his eye, but went right back to the line for the next pass. Ben said he wasn’t sure who was going to get the award, but as soon as that happened he knew it was going to be that little boy. He said of all the awards handed out that award means the most to him. And when he gave the little boy the award, he also gave him a bag of ice for his eye, lol.” – Michele Rodi, Ohio

A fun and educational experience is guaranteed!

Spots are limited, so participants are encouraged to register early.


You can sign your youngster up for the camp here.

You can see more photos here.

You can watch videos from the camp here (mid-way down the page).

You can read more testimonials from parents and grandparents here.

To benefit The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation!


Here is your chance to attend a Steelers game with pre-game field passes and autographed Ben Roethlisberger memorabilia!

Tickets are just $2.00 each (minimum purchase of 5 tickets)

Entry deadline: 11:00 AM ET on Monday, June 10, 2013

Drawing date: Monday, June 10, 2013

Grand Prize:

– Winner will receive 2 game tickets to a mutually agreed upon Pittsburgh Steelers Game

– Winner will receive 2 Pre-Game Field passes to a mutually agreed upon Pittsburgh Steelers Game

– Winner will receive signed game-worn cleats from Ben

– Winner will receive a signed game football from Ben

– Winner will receive a signed jersey from Ben

– Winner will be awarded a cash prize in the amount of $598.50 to mitigate the Winner’s tax liability that results from winning the raffle. This prize is withheld and paid, on behalf of the Winner, directly to the IRS ($504.00) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ($94.50). The actual amount awarded may be adjusted proportionally based on the value of the actual prizes received.


This is a fun way to support The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation!

Get your tickets today and good luck!


Thank you to The Event Group and the wonderful folks at Celebrities for Charity!

…from the littlest Roethlisberger!

From diapers to bottles, spit up to wipes, late nights to splashing in the tub. I just want to say I have the best mommy in the whole world! I know I cry at times and you don’t know why, but I want you to know you always make me feel safe and loved, and I thank you for that mom. I love you so much and hope you have a great first Mother’s Day!

P.S. A Happy Mother’s Day to all the mommies out there from all us kids! We love our moms and grandmas! Extra special love to Grandma R. and Nana H., XOXO – Benjamin “JR” (with help from my Dad).

Two new police dogs on the job in South Euclid, Ohio. One of those dogs was purchased with a grant from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation!

“On behalf of the South Euclid Police Department, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation for their generous donation to our K-9 program and their continued support of law enforcement.” – Chief Kevin Nietert, South Euclid Police Department.

From Jeff Piorkowski, Sun News (Northeast Ohio):

The South Euclid Police Department has added two new K-9 officers-in-training, Kolbe, left, and Oktane.

With the addition of the dogs, SEPD Chief Kevin Nietert’s wish to have a dog on all three shifts is being fulfilled. One of the new dogs replaces the recently retired Rex. Another dog, 6-year-old, Recon remains on the force.

Kolbe is 13 months old, while Oktane is still a puppy at 11 months.

Kolbe was obtained with grant money from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, whose foundation purchases dogs for police departments in cities (and surrounding suburbs) which the Steelers visit during their season.

“This Thanksgiving, the men and women of the South Euclid Police Department have something very special to be thankful for. The grant from The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation will allow the K-9 unit to continue the important work we do.” – South Euclid Police K-9 Officer Michael Fink (posing with Kolbe at left) in November, 2012 when the grant was announced.

Nietert said both dogs — Kolbe is a Belgian Malinois, and Oktane, a German shepherd — were born in Czechoslovakia. “The dogs act as a force multiplier and are great for public relations,” Nietert said.


You can learn more about Ben’s foundation here.

According to the many fans that attended, Ben’s signing event at The Sports Vault in the King of Prussia Mall on Saturday afternoon was a huge success! Everyone had a great time, including the man they all came to see!

“My dad surprised me with a photo opportunity with Ben and I couldn’t have been happier! I’ve loved Ben since he was drafted, and it’s been my dream to meet him. Everything about Ben exceeded my expectations. He was so friendly and kind, and he thanked everyone and told them to have a great day after their photo was taken. I didn’t think I could like him more than I already did, but I do. I am so glad I got to be a part of his first signing in 7 years and I hope to see him again sometime soon!” – Kim Bevins

Ben signed his own game-used shoe:


We just got to the car from Ben’s signing today. So I thought I’d send a couple of photos along with our appreciation for Ben’s time. Let’s be honest, he doesn’t NEED to do these type of events. We as fans are fortunate for the opportunities. We got to the event early as we knew it would be organized chaos. The photo op was first. We had heard they sold all 100 photo ops. WOW! I’ve never seen that many sold at any event….not in the 11 years I’ve been going anyway.

Bryce decided he wanted it taken with his game worn cleat that he won in the monthly birthday drawing contest from this site. Coincidentally from our very first game in Pittsburgh. When Bryce walked up to get his photo taken with Ben, Ben asked “did you steal my shoe”? He’s so great to these kids. He could just be there to sign our items, but he does a great job interacting with not just the kids, but adults too.

We got so much attention walking around with this cleat…..another piece of Ben giving back. How many players do you see do this on a monthly basis? I’m so jealous of Bryce, lol. This cleat is more amazing than any piece I have in my collection. As the evidence shows. It was a perfect day! Thanks Ben. – Steve Bishop, NY



He signed mini-helmets:


I was fortunate enough to be at Ben Roethlisberger’s signing today. It is an incredible moment when you get a chance to meet your hero, it was a dream come true! A day I will always remember. – Michael Smith



He even signed a Steelers bass guitar:


Ben, thanks again for the autograph and picture! Go Steelers! – Dennis Hower



And he made some new friends, one of whom was surprised he wasn’t wearing his uniform:


This is my 5 year old son, Evan. We are from Harrisburg, PA. Evan was sooo excited, and had the biggest smile on his face. Just the thought that Evan told me he expected Ben would be wearing his black jersey was too cute and funny to me, as if that’s all he wears. – Barb Collins



A few more thoughts from those who attended:

“Meeting Ben today was just great…he signed a terrible towel for my patient as well (I am a physical therapist). I couldn’t help being shy and overwhelmed during my photo op, but I am glad now I have had the opportunity to see the QB I watch every weekend. He definitely represents the Midwest and talks just like any guy from Northern Ohio or Pittsburgh.” – Kathy Klein


“I have been looking forward to a chance to meet Ben for quite a while, so when I saw that he would be at the King of Prussia mall I arranged for the photo op. I must say that Ben was gracious and friendly, and truly seemed to enjoy meeting his fans. I am glad I had the opportunity! (Thanks Erin, Mollie and Tracy for your help on my adventure!” – Jan Banko, Nescopeck, PA


“Bucket List Check! After 9 years, I finally met Ben Roethlisberger.” – Carl Stresing

“I won the Sports Vaults VIP contest. I wanted to share my picture and to say that Ben is a pretty awesome guy. He is super nice and full of smiles. The whole event was fantastic and the people at Sports Vault were great. My son Seth turns two in two weeks. He loved Ben and Ben was so good with him. I can tell he’s a great dad. Seth now says that ‘Ben Raffaburger is my buddy’. It was an amazing day I will never forget!” – Michelle Rebar

“Hello Erin, Thank you so much for all the effort you have put into this website and directing us with all the information regarding the event! I had never done this and it was a total blast. I managed to make it all the way down from The Bronx New York and back in one piece. Go Steelers!” – Delia Hemmingway, NY


“Drove 10 hours from Ontario Canada to King Of Prussia to meet Ben. Great day. He is so nice.” – James Boutros, Canada


“Absolutely loved meeting Big Ben!! Best day of my life, so exciting!!” – Jill Brossman


“Hey Ben, thanks for taking the time to sign my sons football and taking a picture with us in the back room before you went out to do your signings, he was very excited. Hope you have a great year.” – David Taurino

“Well today my dream came true when I finally got to meet Ben! He was such a sweetheart! Always kept a smile on his face and was just awesome to everyone he met. I’ll never forget this day for the rest of my life!! I love you Ben and look forward to seeing you on the field!” – Kim Kraft

“Meeting Ben was an amazing experience. He was so nice and it was a dream come true for me.” – Nikki S.


“Hi! Was so cool to meet Ben today. I know he was rushed, but wished it could have been longer. I wished him well for the upcoming season and my kids, Troy and Cara, enjoyed meeting him too. Sports Vault had everything under control and ran the event smoothly. Thank you Ben and Sports Vault!!” – Jill Landis, Hatfield, PA


“I was there and enjoyed every moment! He is so good to his fans!” – Michelle Renee


“Ben was awesome. What a dream come true to shake his hand! Thank you Ben for the opportunity to meet you!” – The Himes Family


You can see more photos from the signing here!

The Sports Vault has a few photos here!

And the Himes Family videotaped Ben’s arrival! You can watch it here!


*Thank you to everyone who emailed, sent Facebook messages and tweets! Thank you once again to Pat and Anthony at The Sports Vault! It was a pleasure!