“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.

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 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).

“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.

“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!

The Sports Vault is across from the Food Court in the Sears wing.

There are only seven Photo Op tickets left!

This is Ben’s first autograph signing in PA in over 7 years! Don’t miss out!


You can get more information on pricing and purchase your tickets in advance here.


You can get travel info to the King of Prussia Mall here.


FANS: If you are going to the event this weekend and would like to share your experience and any photos with us, please email us at BigBen7website@gmail.com! We’ll post them on the site!


*The photo above is from Ben’s last signing event, which took place in Virginia in April, 2012.


Thank you to both Pat and Anthony at the Sports Vault! It’s been great working with you guys!



Also on Saturday:

Set your DVR’s for noon (ET) when the NFL Network will re-air one of the “Classic Games” -

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Giants (12/18/04):

Ben Roethlisberger outduels Eli Manning throwing for 316 yards and engineering a fourth-quarter comeback in battle of highly-touted rookie quarterbacks.


From an article featured in USA Today, post-game:

Ben Roethlisberger was not about to be upstaged by Eli Manning.

In a surprise shootout between two rookie quarterbacks, Roethlisberger outdueled Manning as the Pittsburgh Steelers won their franchise-record 12th straight game, a wild 33-30 triumph over the New York Giants.

The last two teams to win 12 straight games in the same season won the Super Bowl. New England accomplished the feat last season and Denver did it in 1998.

“I don’t ever want to remember what it is like to lose,” said Roethlisberger, who has won his last 25 starts dating to his days at Miami of Ohio. “We didn’t play our best game of the season, but we found a way to win.”

While Manning gained all the attention when he was selected first overall in April’s draft, Roethlisberger slid all the way to the Steelers (13-1) at No. 11.

Roethlisberger already has marched into the NFL record book for consecutive wins by a rookie. He has enjoyed a storybook season, leading the Steelers to the AFC North Division title while improving to 12-0 since taking over for the injured Tommy Maddox.

“I know he’s been making some good decisions with the game on the line,” Steelers coach Bill Cowher said of his quarterback. “He’s the leader of our football team.”


You can read the rest of this 2004 article (scroll past the game stats) here.


*Note: NFL Network is notorious for pre-empting scheduled programming. This re-air of the 2004 game could change without notice.

“He was always the very first guy I talked to when I came off the field. I’d ask him, ‘What did you see?’ I valued his opinion more than any other player or coach. And that’s no disrespect to anyone else. It’s just what I thought of Charlie. He never tried to impose himself on me. But he was always there when I needed him.” – Ben, from his interview yesterday with Mr. Cook.

From an interview with Ron Cook, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Ben Roethlisberger isn’t quite sure what to expect when the team gathers later this spring for offseason workouts. Batch was with him in the quarterbacks meeting room every day since Roethlisberger joined the Steelers as a No. 1 draft choice in 2004.

“It’s definitely not going to be the same,” Roethlisberger said. “Charlie and I always sat next to each other. I’m going to miss the laughs and the talks that we had. I owe so much to him.”

Roethlisberger was quick to interrupt his round of golf Sunday in Georgia and jump on the telephone to pay tribute to Batch, who became expendable when the Steelers selected Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones Saturday in the fourth round of the NFL draft. Veteran Bruce Gradkowski, who was signed as a free agent in March, will be the team’s other quarterback.

“I feel like I could go on for hours about Charlie,” Roethlisberger said. “He meant so much to me. I told him numerous times, ‘You made me what I am today.’ From on the field to off the field, as a quarterback and as a man. He truly is one of the best guys I’ve ever been around.”

“Don’t throw away the old bucket until you know whether the new one holds water, Swedish proverb.” – Charlie Batch via Twitter (@CharlieBatch16), April 28th.

One of the most poignant moments in an otherwise disappointing 8-8 season in 2012 was an injured Roethlisberger hugging Batch on the sideline Dec. 2 in Baltimore after Batch led the Steelers to an unlikely 23-20 win against the team that would go on to win Super Bowl XLVII. Both had tears in their eyes. You could see their bond. You could feel the emotion between them.

“He just thanked me for all my support and I thanked him for all his support,” Batch said. “We both knew he was coming back the next week. At that moment, I think we both realized that game could possibly be it for me in the NFL.”


You can read more here.

You can also read Joe Starkey’s column on Charlie Batch at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review here.

“I’m willing to do whatever the team asks of me, whether that’s play right away or sit. I want to talk to Tommy and Charlie a little bit about what’s going on. Whatever they’re willing to help me with, I’m going to take it all in.” – Ben, April 26, 2004.

From CBS Sports, “Roethlisberger: Manning, Rivers have nothing on me”:

Ben Roethlisberger arrived Monday in Pittsburgh as the No. 3 quarterback in the NFL draft and, for now, no better than No. 3 on the Steelers’ depth chart.

Roethlisberger, only the second quarterback drafted in the first round by Pittsburgh in 33 years, didn’t predict he would beat out incumbent Tommy Maddox or backup Charlie Batch immediately. He didn’t promise to have better rookie-year statistics than Mississippi’s Eli Manning or North Carolina State’s Philip Rivers, the two quarterbacks drafted ahead of him.

“Eli’s been getting a lot of hype leading up to this, but I said coming in it all boils down to this: it’s just football,” Roethlisberger said. “That’s what I’ve been wanting to do for a long time, just get on the field and start playing.”

Roethlisberger didn’t criticize Rivers or Manning, but said, “I think I bring a little more athleticism than both of them, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

“Everyone seems to think they have better systems, better teams they played on in college, were born into a football family,” said Roethlisberger, who played at Miami of Ohio. “Once I get the field, my will to win is much greater than both of them.”

Roethlisberger has already created more buzz in Pittsburgh than any Steelers quarterback draft pick since Terry Bradshaw in 1970. The Steelers haven’t yet started selling Roethlisberger’s No. 7 jersey, but no doubt they will quickly order up a batch to satisfy fan demand.

They might want to order a few in extra-extra large, too; obviously not accustomed to having 6-foot-4½, 240-pound quarterbacks, the Steelers badly underestimated Roethlisberger’s size and gave him a much-too-small uniform for Monday’s photo shoot.


You can read more here.

“If one of those backs would have slid, we were not going to hesitate to grab him. It’s just like the quarterback position. We felt good about that, but Roethlisberger slid and we got him, and we bettered our football team.” – Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher, on selecting a quarterback over a running back – from an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, April 26, 2004.

From Don Banks’ column, “Draft Day winners & losers”, SI:

Winners -

Pittsburgh Steelers: Thanks to the Chargers-Giants, Manning-Rivers blockbuster, and the Raiders’ willingness to go for Iowa offensive tackle Robert Gallery at No. 2, the Steelers were lucky enough to sit tight at No. 11 and still get the quarterback of the future that they so desperately craved. True, the Steelers would have rather had Rivers than Roethlisberger, believing the N.C. State star is more ready to play right away, but the stars still aligned in a nice way for Pittsburgh. Once upon a time, a team would draft a franchise quarterback prospect even if it had a quality starter on the roster. But not in the cap era, it’s too costly. So with the teams in the No. 5 through 10 slots all set at quarterback, the Steelers benefited from Roethlisberger’s tumble.


You can read the rest of Mr. Banks’ column here.

“We’re not looking to rebuild this year. We’re looking to win this division and get into the playoffs and win a championship.” – Steelers Director of Football Operations Kevin Colbert, from an interview in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, April 26, 2004.

Not everyone back then was on the Big Ben Welcome Wagon….

From Mike Prisuta’s column in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the day after the Draft:

In the days leading up to Saturday and in the minutes immediately following the No. 11 overall selection, Bill Cowher kept insisting the Steelers didn’t expect to be drafting this high very often.

But in the wake of taking Ben Roethlisberger in the first round, you have to wonder if picking in the vicinity of the top 10 isn’t about to become habit forming.

Same time next year, fellas?

Coming off a six-win season and having missed the playoffs in four of the last six years, the Steelers are in a rebuilding mode rather than a retooling one.

Roethlisberger, from Miami (Ohio) and second-round pick Ricardo Colclough, from Tusculum College, are upside guys who won’t have much of an immediate impact provided they make any at all as rookies.

You’d expect more from No. 11 overall.

Then again, the Steelers should have expected more than they got from Troy Polamalu at No. 16 overall a season ago.

Recent history suggests Roethlisberger is as likely to turn into the next Tim Couch as he is the next Bledsoe, but the Steelers decided to swing for the fences, anyway, rather than to continue simply moving the runners.


Mr. Prisuta’s column is no longer available online.

“I’m not Tommy Maddox; can’t be Tommy Maddox. I’m just going to do the best I can.” – Ben, to reporters after his first NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, September 19, 2004.

You can enjoy a Draft and First Year highlights video here.


You can re-live Draft Day, 2004 below!