Ben: ‘I am black and gold through and through’
From his Zoom interview today with the media, compiled by Teresa Varley:
Before the question could even fully be asked, Ben Roethlisberger was smiling and shaking his head.
The answer was an easy one for him.
“I am black and gold through and through,” said Roethlisberger.
That he is.
For 17 years Roethlisberger has worn the black and gold, playing in a Steelers record 233 games and starting a record 231. So, when the question arose about his Steelers legacy and would he consider finishing out his career anywhere else, there was no doubt. It’s the reason he approached the team about taking a pay cut when he signed a new contract for the 2021 season, his 18th with the team after being selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft.
“It was my idea,” said Roethlisberger of taking a pay cut. “I told them I want to help the team out however we can. I went to them and told them I would do whatever I can to help the team sign guys who are going to help us win football games. I have been extremely blessed to play this game for a long time. That is one of the reasons I wanted to come back. I knew we had a great defense, some amazing weapons on offense. I wanted to come back and be a part of what I think is a special football team that everyone is overlooking, which is kind of cool too. In order to do that, I thought it was necessary to do that.
“I didn’t want to go anywhere. That is why I told the Rooneys and Coach (Mike) Tomlin I want to be here. I don’t want to be anywhere else. This is home to me. I will always bleed black and gold. Almost half of my life has been here playing football for the Steelers. That is why I told them I would take a pay cut to stay here because this is what I believe in, this group, this city. This is home. I am honored to have my career be here.”
Roethlisberger made it clear pretty quick after the 2020 season that he wanted to be back this season. He led the team to an 11-0 record to start the year, while coming […]
Remembering the reason for the holiday
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)
While coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies each December on National Wreaths Across America Day is a big part of what we do, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out throughout the year. From our Remembrance Tree program to the Wreaths Across America Museum in Maine, there are many different ways in which you can get involved!”
Somebody celebrated a birthday last night!
Can’t believe it’s been 5 years already!! Watching you grow up has been both sad (especially for momma) and amazing. You have really grown up a lot and we are so proud of you. We love you, Bo. — Daddy, Momma, Benjamin Jr., Baylee.
Cam: ‘Ben’s still got the goods’
“Anyone that tells you otherwise, they haven’t really looked at football. You give that guy a good running game and tell him he doesn’t have to throw the ball 50, 60 times, he’s going to be that much more dangerous, and I think we’re looking forward to that.” — Cam Heyward.
From Andrew McCarty at The Spun:
Following his comments, critics of Ben Roethlisberger only grew louder. They pointed to the Steelers losing six of their final seven games – including one embarrassing playoff loss to the Cleveland Browns.
However, Heyward is still riding with his longtime quarterback.
“I think we’re just blowing it out of proportion,” Heyward told reporters. “We went 11-0 to start the season. How many other quarterbacks did that?”
“I think we can sit up here and talk about how we lost the game last year. We lost to the Cleveland Browns, OK, so be it. We fell off at the end. We still made the playoffs. But I’m not here to say my quarterback is not able to do it. I’ve seen this guy win Super Bowls on TV. I’ve seen him day in and day out compete, and you just get frustrated. I know Ben puts in work. I know how much he cares about this team.”
More from Cam:
“When I hear the bad-mouthing about him being a not great quarterback and everybody is ready to elevate other quarterbacks, I’m like, what have they done? This guy is a proven winner, but yet we’re ready to discount him. All I was saying was I think having a greater balance is going to make him that much more dangerous. I know our offensive line is in flux, but they’re going to be better because they’re learning a different system. We bring in another running back, our receivers are a year older, bring in another tight end. All these different things I think can help Ben, and I’m excited for him.”
Cam and Ben were both at OTAs today:
You can check out all the photos from Day 1 of OTAs here and all the news from Day 1 here.
Photo: Steelers
Two Ohio fire departments happy about grants
The grant will benefit Findlay’s new $1 million STRICT Center (Simulated Tactical Response and Incident Command Training).
Construction of the center, a training complex for Findlay and Hancock County’s first responders, is expected to get underway this year. It will be located at Findlay Fire Station 4 on Hancock County Road 236.
“It’s exciting to add Ben’s name to the list of funding partners for our project,” said Findlay Fire Chief Josh Eberle.
Girard Firefighter Thomas Cantola and his partner Maya graduated from the State Farm Arson Dog Training Program and were certified according to the standards of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
Maya and Cantola is the 3rd arson dog team for Trumbull County trained through the State Farm program.
K9 Maya is a 2-year-old female yellow Labrador retriever, who was raised by Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, FL.
(WFMJ Channel 21)
Final K9 grants from The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation
Today, Ben announced the final grants to be awarded from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund.
The Foundation is distributing 15 grants to police and fire K-9 programs around the country.
The K-9 departments receiving funding from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation include the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (KS), City of Covington Police (KY), City of Girard (OH), East Cleveland Police (OH), Findlay Fire Department (OH), Houston Fire Department (TX), Lafayette Police (IN), Mingo County Sheriff’s Office (WV), Redondo Beach Police (CA), Wahoo Police (NE) and five departments in Pennsylvania: Allegheny Valley Regional Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Manor Township Police, North Fayette Township Police and Punxsutawney Borough Police.
This announcement completes the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation’s 14th and final grant cycle.
The Foundation will distribute more than $90,000 this year. Grant funds will be utilized in a variety of canine-focused initiatives including the establishment of new K-9 units, replacement of retiring dogs, purchase of safety and training equipment, and training and certification of new and existing K-9s among other K-9 related expenses.
“It has been an absolute privilege to be able to support the critical work of K-9 officers and their handlers over the past 14 years. To witness the bond between a dog and their handler has been very rewarding. Their lifesaving & crimefighting gives ‘teamwork’ new meaning. They are truly partners! I have many fond memories of meeting first responders on the field and in our communities and I want to thank them for their dedication and sacrifice.” –Ben.
For the past 14 seasons, The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation has invited police and fire departments located in and around the cities and communities in which the Steelers played to submit proposals detailing their needs. The mission of the foundation focused on supporting K-9 units of police and fire departments throughout the United States, with a particular emphasis on service dogs in Pittsburgh, PA. Ben has distributed more than $2.3 million since 2007, nearly $2 million of which has specifically benefited K-9 programs. In addition, he has hosted several events to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, his high school alma mater, and other organizations close to his heart.
Donald W. Palmer, […]