’nuff said.

*Thank you to fan Annette Filippone for selecting this classic photo!

From Jeremy Fowler at ESPN.com today:

Jerome Bettis doesn’t have to give compliments this summer. He’s being inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday. He’s supposed to receive them.

But Bettis perked up when asked recently about the development of Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, who’s finally being mentioned among today’s quarterback greats after a 4,952-yard season and 103.3 passer rating.

Bettis thinks Roethlisberger has been underappreciated, and here’s why:

“We knew he was special. You could see it,” said Bettis, who played with Roethlisberger from 2004-05 before retiring. “He was limited in terms of his opportunities. It wasn’t even a question mark. When you have players like that, even if numbers don’t say it, you see it. Some of the passes he threw, I was like, ‘Whoa.’ I’ve been around some quarterbacks, but he’s different — like, even having the thought to throw to that particular guy. I’m glad now he’s getting the chance to showcase that.”

When Bettis played with Roethlisberger, the quarterback averaged 281.5 passing attempts per season. The last two years, he’s averaging double that, at 596 attempts per season. That total is partly a byproduct of Todd Haley’s system and the league trending toward pass-first offenses. But i’s also a sign of Roethlisberger’s growth.

The Steelers’ supporting cast around Roethlisberger “has the potential to be even better than when we were all there,” Bettis said. Antonio Brown has been the NFL’s most productive receiver the last few years, and Le’Veon Bell was second in rushing and receptions by a running back.

Roethlisberger has said recently that Bettis was “a big brother” to him, especially in teaching him about how to relate to teammates.

Bettis will share in the celebration of Roethlisberger’s success.

“I take pride in his development as a player,” Bettis said. “To become one of the best in the NFL, very prideful.”


You can read more from Mr. Fowler’s blog here.

And look who made the trip!

“Just me and Daddy hanging out on the field after practice!” — Baylee

(P.S. my brother was busy tumbling when Mommy took these!)

The Steelers photographer captured this one of daddy & daughter relaxing together.

The fans are having a great time at Steelers training camp, and it appears Ben is too!!

A funny one from the Friday Night Lights practice:


“Thank you Ben for making my daughter Allyson’s night!!! She was so excited!!” — Jill S.



Mission accomplished!

@_BigBen7…. thanks to Bigben I finally got my jersey signed. pic.twitter.com/WEkcSw49Is

— Joseph Andrew Thayer (@JosephAndrewTh1) August 1, 2015

Check out the big smile on this lil’ guy’s face!


Ethan Zook, from Mt. Union, PA had a great time at practice Saturday afternoon. He also wanted to wish Big Ben the best season ever! (Photo: Ryan Zook)



Ben!! Can you sign your head?


A BIG “Thank you” to Missi Matthews (at the Steelers) for this great photo!!



Making his way through a sea of young fans…

. @_BigBen7 got lots of cheers. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/AL5llHREEZ

— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) August 1, 2015

Can’t make it to Latrobe? No problem!


Chava Espinosa won’t let 2,118.7 miles get in the way of his celebrating the start of Steelers training camp! He shows his Black & Gold pride all the way from Mexico!



And this lil’ Steelers gal isn’t letting 10,070 miles get in her way either (she also wants to see #99 on the field this season)!

All the way from Melbourne Australia. Bring on the season. We miss Keisel @steelers @bkeisel99 @_BigBen7 @Djackson85 pic.twitter.com/zGcWgNTwZ2

— Nicole Large (@NicoleLarge18) August 1, 2015

Keep ’em coming Steeler Nation!

…was FAN-tastic!!!!

“It was so great that he signed both of my Grandchildren’s footballs. Thank you Ben for making my guys so happy.” — Francene Slampak

“Ben is a great guy…Cares about Fans!” — John Filijowycz

“Thank you for the autographs, my boys are at camp tonight from NC! Steeler proud!!” — Elaine White

“MY FAVORITE QB BIG BEN ON AND OFF THE FIELD.” — Betty Samuels

“Ben is the best ever for signing autographs. He really cares for the fans. He talks to the fans while he is signing, and that is rare. A really nice guy, and a great QB. — Carol Evans

We got @_BigBen7 @L_Bell26 & James Harrison's autographs just now pic.twitter.com/1E4Avb13BH

— Taylor Marvin (@tlorrr) July 31, 2015

@_BigBen7 Thanks Ben for a great Birthday present last night!! pic.twitter.com/3eMC5LSMyc

— Dave Marvin (@ILsteelerfan58) August 1, 2015

Steelers Training Camp! @_BigBen7 great autograph tonight! pic.twitter.com/a7gOvYBMb2

— Rettabetta7 (@rettabetta7) July 31, 2015

THX @_BigBen7 THANKS FOR SIGNING MY DAUGHTERS FOOTBALL AT FRIDAY NIGHT PRACTICE YOU MADE OUR DAY & YOU ARE THE BEST. pic.twitter.com/ncNnswNiWH

— PATRICK H (@milfhunter3828) July 31, 2015

QB Ben Roethlisberger of the #Steelers spending time with the standing room only crowd at Night Practice @WPXI pic.twitter.com/5zVmNx6xis

— Bill Phillips (@WPXI_BPhillips) July 31, 2015

Ben Roethlisberger making his rounds for autographs. pic.twitter.com/xnQO5Sec7Y

— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) July 31, 2015

From ESPN.com:



And finally on the field!

At Friday Night Lights & watching @_BigBen7 do what he does best #steelerstrainingcamp #BigBen pic.twitter.com/N4ajTDjcCx

— Billie Jo Yakubik (@marinewife1998) August 1, 2015

Thank you to everyone who shared their photos & thoughts with us on social media tonight!!

for your department or agency to make their request to the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation for the 2015 grant cycle!

“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, on why his foundation is so important to him.

This marks the ninth grant cycle for The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, which distributed more than $132,000 in grants to K-9 units around the country during the 2014 NFL season, including $55,000 in the Pittsburgh community. The majority of the grants distributed will help K-9 units to purchase dogs and dog safety vests, but other types of needs are also considered. Ben’s foundation also supports Make-A-Wish and combined, has distributed in excess of $1.3 million since 2007.

The Foundation will be distributing grants in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers during the 2015 NFL season including Boston, St. Louis, San Diego, Kansas City, Seattle, Cincinnati, Baltimore and Cleveland areas. The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation invites police and fire departments in these eight cities to submit proposals detailing their needs. Also, for each Steelers’ appearance in a playoff game, a grant will be awarded to a non-NFL market city anywhere in the United States that would not otherwise be eligible to apply. 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 50.

Fans of The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation 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 Foundation.

You are welcome to donate directly through The Giving Back Fund here.


REQUIREMENTS:

Please submit all of the following items and information in one proposal. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or pursued. Please do not staple, bind or print proposal double-sided. Do not fax or email submission. PLEASE DO NOT FAX APPLICATION.

Grant proposals must include the following:

– Completed cover […]