From Teresa Varley at Steelers.com:

Camp preview – The Steelers hit the field on Tuesday for the first day of their mandatory three-day minicamp, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said it’s the perfect warmup for training camp at Saint Vincent College later this summer.

“We need to come together, having everybody here, going over some of the little nuance things. Today during the first walk through we were going over some very minute hand signal stuff and going over what to do in certain situations. For me it’s about how can we start on some of the little things that will be big things when training camp comes around.”

Go for two – If Roethlisberger could have his way the Steelers would go for two just about every time they score a touchdown. Last year the Steelers converted 8-of-11 two-point conversions in the regular season, and Roethlisberger would like to add to that number.

“I think we should go for it every time. Why not? If we do it every day and are 50%, if you don’t make the first and make the second, there are your 14 points. Why not give it a shot?”

Roethlisberger said Coach Mike Tomlin brought the idea of going for two more frequently to him, so he is on board with increasing the number of opportunities.

“We had a game plan going into every game [last year]. I think a lot depends on the team we are playing. What kind of team are they? Where are we, what environments and elements? I wouldn’t be surprised if we go for it even more than last year.”

Dual backs – A potential threat if they go for two would be having running backs Le’Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams on the field at the same time, something that didn’t happen last year because of a season-ending injury to Bell.

“That was something that we talked about last year and unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to do it. I think that that could be a weapon for us out on the field in some two-minute stuff to have both of them out on the field.”

Driving the car – The Steelers signed tight end Ladarius Green this offseason, but so far the unrestricted free agent has been limited in his on-field work. Roethlisberger […]

“11 bachelors visit Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field and play football with Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward and Brett Keisel; and two guys go on a dreaded two-on-one date, but only one gets a rose.” — TV Guide.

Today, Ben Roethlisberger announces the opening of the 2016 grant cycle for the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund.


This marks the 10th grant cycle for the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation. The majority of the grants distributed will help police and fire department K-9 units to purchase dogs and dog safety vests, but other types of needs are also considered.

The Foundation will be distributing grants in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers during the 2016 NFL season including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Miami, Baltimore, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Buffalo and Cincinnati areas. Ben is inviting police and fire departments in these eight cities & surrounding communities to submit proposals detailing their needs. In addition, the Foundation will continue to make grants to several police and fire department K-9 units in the Pittsburgh area following Super Bowl LI.

The mission of the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation is to support K-9 units of police and fire departments throughout the United States with a particular emphasis on support for service dogs in Pittsburgh, PA. Ben and his foundation also strive to support Make-A-Wish. His foundation distributed more than $170,000 in grants to K-9 units around the country during the 2015 NFL season, including $93,250.00 just in the Pittsburgh community alone.

The Foundation has distributed in excess of $1.5 million since 2007.

“We’re very fortunate to be in the position that we are able to help these K-9 units. The work that is performed by the dogs and their handlers as well as the bond that is formed is incredible. We’re just thrilled to do our small part.” — Ben.

For the first time in 10 years, Ben’s foundation is utilizing a paperless application process and all applications must be submitted online via http://thegivingbackfund.org/ben-roethlisberger-foundation-application-2016/.

Note: Hard copies of the application received by mail, fax or email will not be accepted.

You can support future K-9 grants by purchasing candy on Sarris Candies’ website, (www.SarrisCandiesFundraising.com), using a special purchase code (77-7777). Sarris will donate 25 percent of the purchase price to the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation.


For more information about the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation or The Giving Back Fund, please contact Jessica Duffaut at 310-649-5222 or email her at jduffaut@givingback.org.

Bring Mommy and Bodie home from the hospital, open the garage door and…

there’s Benjamin Jr. & Baylee (with just a little help from Grandma & Pops) waiting with a “Welcome” sign! Truly Blessed. — Ben

…is watching his first Penguins playoff game tonight!!

Bodie was born this morning and weighed in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces and he’s 21 inches long. God is good!! #LETSGOPENS!! — Ben, Ashley, Ben Jr., Baylee, and our newest addition to the family, Bodie Roethlisberger.

Benjamin Jr. is already lookin’ after his little brother, and Baylee can’t wait to help mommy take care of him!