Congratulations #78!
And to Coach Quinn!
The Salute to Service Award presented by USAA was created to acknowledge the exceptional efforts by members of the NFL community to honor and support U.S. service members, veterans and their families.
About Alejandro:
Alejandro Villanueva was born to Spanish parents, his father being a Lieutenant Commander in the Spanish Navy. He grew up in the United States, Spain and Belgium, where he played football at SHAPE American High School.
After playing four years of football at West Point, Alejandro was commissioned in 2010. He was deployed three times before being promoted to Captain in 2014. Among the many honors he received for his service are the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Ranger Tab, the Parachutist Badge, the Bronze Star Medal for overseas service, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Expert Infantryman’s Badge.
When he got out of the Army, Villanueva decided to give the NFL a try. After attending the NFL combine, he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles. When released, the Steelers signed him to the practice squad in August 2014 and today he is the starting left tackle. He credits his military background with influencing his approach to football.
During his time with the team, Villanueva has participated in several events and appearances honoring fellow military personnel and veterans. Heroes at Heinz Field brings a group of veterans to the Steelers’ stadium where players run drills and spend time honoring the heroes. At last year’s event, Alejandro was even reunited with one of the members of his battalion, the 2-87 Infantry from when he was deployed to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. At the 2016 event, he again spent time talking with the veterans about their experiences.
During the team’s trip to San Diego for Monday Night Football in 2015, Villanueva and several of his teammates went to the VA Hospital to visit a Pittsburgh native Navy SEAL, who was injured and paralyzed in a training maneuver. Their visit brought a smile to a fellow hero who will remember the night for the rest of his life. Villanueva and two other teammates visited the VA Hospital and spent time […]
It’s almost time….
“Uncle Brett, I think it’s time to Shear Da Beard! Yikes!!” — Baylee. When: February 13, 2017Where: Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
What time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Shearing to commence at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $50 per person (to benefit cancer programs at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC). Purchase ’em HERE.
Special Guest: This year’s special guest will be WWE Hall of Famer, Shawn Michaels!!
Of course, there are always surprise celebrity barbers on hand to help SHEAR DA BEARD! Previous celebrity barbers include Big Ben, Heath Miller, Coach Tomlin, Coach LeBeau, Cam Heyward, Aaron Smith, Mr. Art Rooney II, just to name a few.
Tickets price includes both admission to the event and appetizers, courtesy of Jergel’s.
Don’t miss this!! Tickets are selling fast.
*No outside autograph items permitted into the event.
**Minors Under 21 must be with parent or legal guardian.
The Ben Roethlisberger Show
Recap from Ben’s final radio show of the season on 93.7 The Fan:
On his future:
“I was talking to my wife about it last night, and I was talking to my agent about it, and Coach [Tomlin] about it…you know, I’m going to take this season to evaluate, to consider all options, to consider health and family and things like that, and just take some time away to evaluate next season – if there’s going to be a next season – all those things.
“You know, at this point in my career, and at my age, it’s the prudent and smart thing to do every year.”
When asked directly if he would be playing next season:
“Like I said, I’m going to re-evaluate with my family, and do a lot of praying about it, and to make sure it’s the right thing for me and my family. I’m not, by any means, saying ‘I’m not coming back’ or anything like that. I’m just saying that I’m at the point of my career where I think it’s prudent, just like I think James is doing, and other guys who have been in the league a long time do, to evaluate, to just make sure. You want to be able to leave this game walking out of it, and in a healthy spot. You don’t want to be ‘carted out’. You don’t want to leave this game and be worse for wear.”
On the loss in the AFC Championship:
“They outplayed us. They were the better team on that day, and it showed. They out-coached us, they outplayed us, they out-executed us and the better team won the football game. It’s frustrating, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.
“Looking closer at how they were outplayed, Ben reiterated what he said after the game that the stage may have been too big for some of their young guys. Guys have to understand that the game can’t be too big, and I think it was for some guys. And that’s ok, they’re going to have to learn.”
On Le’Veon Bell’s groin injury & whether they knew about it prior to the game:
“Yes, yep. We knew that Le’Veon was kind of dealing with this, he’s been dealing with it for a couple of weeks.”
On whether he’s opposed in any way to running the quarterback sneak:
“I have no problem […]
A grateful ‘Nation’
…wants to say “thank you” to Big Ben and the Steelers for a great season:
“Ben I am so proud of you and the guys for getting this far. That in itself says a lot! I still have all the faith in the world! Love you! We’ll get there next year! 😊” — Lynne Krizovich
“Take pride in how far you’ve come Steelers!! Little ones like these two look up to you!! Baby football life 🏈💛.” — Kristina Gillespie. (photo at left)
Gerald Iaboni AMP @Iabonig
@_BigBen7 @jharrison9292 @DOCnation_7 thanks to you and your team mates for a fine season even though fell short the fight was to the end.
Stevi Guy @stevilynne7
I appreciate @_BigBen7 and his effort today! You tried! They still followed you…you are still a great General.
Richie Sikuea @richieseekoowea
Always got love for @_BigBen7 Hope you guys come back stronger next season!
“Congratulations on a great year Ben. We will get them next year, always a loyal fan. Go Falcons.” — Debbie L. Sweet.
Rahul Kapur @rkapur000
Tough ending but great memories of this yr thx @steelers @jharrison9292 @iammikemitchell @_BigBen7 @dabody52 @RamonFoster to name a few.
❤Kara Brooke ❤ @mskarabrooke27
We had a great run this season @_BigBen7 @steelers. I’m so proud of you guys. We will definitely get ’em next season ❤🏈 #SteelersNation
“Next year Big Ben, Great year keep up the great work we Love you !!! Steelers For Life !!!” — Steven Salamida.
Santelle @damonesk
Love these boys so much man @L_Bell26 @AntonioBrown @__bELIeve17 @DeAngeloRB @_BigBen7 #SteelersNation #HereWeGo
Brenda Hess @BrendaH88fan
Thank you @steelers for a great season!! we love you @_BigBen7 @AntonioBrown @jharrison9292 #HereWeGo #SNUproud 🏈
“Ben, I am so proud of you and the guys for getting this far. That in itself says a lot! I still have all the faith in the world! Love you! We’ll get there next year!” — Lynne Krizovich.
Elijah7 @_Elijah7
Very proud of our guys, and my favorite, @_BigBen7. WIN or lose, I’ll ALWAYS be a proud member of #SteelerNation! #HereWeGo
Kay Bell @KayKaytravels […]
AFC Championship Game: Patriots 36, Steelers 17
“Only one team is gonna finish the season the way they want to & it’s not us this year. I told the guys afterwards, I’m proud of them…it’s disappointing we couldn’t get this one for Mr. (Dan) Rooney. I really wanted to do it for him.”— Ben, after the game.
More tomorrow!
The Secret Service has nothing on Ben’s O-line!
The line of Marcus Gilbert, David DeCastro, Maurkice Pouncey, Ramon Foster and Alejandro Villanueva, have been Roethlisberger’s ‘body guards’ on the field, allowing just 17 sacks, the fewest in Roethlisberger’s 13-year career and the reason he is feeling good heading into the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots.
More from Teresa Varley, Steelers.com:
Ben Roethlisberger has said it time and time again. It’s no secret. It’s one of the things he says more than anything.
While many lump praise on Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown for the success the Steelers’ offense has had this season, Roethlisberger quickly points out whenever he can that it all starts up front with the play of the offensive line.
“I feel good,” said Roethlisberger. “I think it’s because of how well the line has played. By far the fewest sacks I have ever taken in a year. I think we ended up number two in the league in least amount of sacks. That just speaks for those guys and their determination, how good they want to be and how great they really are.”
Roethlisberger said one of the reasons the Steelers not only run the ball so well, but so often, is because it’s what the line loves to do and they are always asking for more running plays.
“We are going to call plays that are successful,” said Roethlisberger. “If we are running the ball and doing it well, we are going to keep calling it. There have been times this year that they’re asking for, let’s go do this, and I’ll go tell Coach (Todd) Haley they want this, the line wants this, let’s do it. A lot of times it’s run plays. They want to pound people and get up there and maul people. When they ask for something, we strongly consider it.”
Pouncey and DeCastro were both Pro Bowl selections this season, which should come as no surprise, but Gilbert is one who despite the incredible season he has had, has flown under the radar somewhat. His play has been beyond solid, and he has played through a myriad of bumps and bruises.
“When you see him out at practice he looks kind of like RoboCop,” said Roethlisberger. “He’s got his hand bandaged up, elbows, knees, ankles. He’s a banged up guy […]