From the Steelers’ tribute to dads this morning:


Ben Roethlisberger – Father of Benjamin and Baylee

“Every day is something new. A new and exciting adventure whether it’s words, or talking, running, summersaults, whatever it is. It’s an awesome blessing every day to be a father.”

Terry Hoeppner (August 19, 1947 – June 19, 2007)

8 years ago today we lost a great man, father and coach! We miss you Coach Hep, you are always in our thoughts. Gone but NEVER forgotten! — Ben

Benjamin Jr. wanted to share this video his dad made of him singing the months of the year:

It’s safe to say that his little sister Baylee is mighty impressed with both his singing skills and his memory skills!!

Contest Update: Congratulations to our 10 winners!!! Thank you to everyone who emailed in!


Ben bought 20 extra tickets to his own event and all you have to do is be one of the first 10 emailers (to bigben7website@gmail.com) and you and your guest can be BEN’S GUESTS this Saturday at his Triple 7’s party at the beautiful Treesdale Country Club in Gibsonia, PA.


On Saturday, June 20th:

The evening will feature billiards, black jack, horse racing and table games, as well as a silent auction, an open bar and lite fare.

7:00-10:30pm
Registration Opens

Table games, billiards, horse racing & a silent auction will begin, the bar will open & lite fare will be served.

9:00pm
VIP Texas Hold ‘em Tournament

10:30pm
Silent auction ends and prizes awarded


Winners: Your two tickets entitle you and your guest to attend Ben’s event, enjoy the food & drink, and play the games! Travel & hotel accomodations are NOT included, so make sure you are either close enough to attend, or can make arrangements to stay overnight on your own.

*Please note: Triple 7s is a 21 and over event so keep that in mind when selecting your guest. Also, Treesdale requests “dressy casual” – denim that is not denim blue, is allowed, but must be neat with a collared shirt, blouse, blazer or button down. No autographs or photos will be permitted!


What are you waiting for? Email us right now! We’ll notify the winners this afternoon! Make sure to give us your full name when you email!

From Mark Kaboly, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
It wasn’t long after former Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders arrived in Denver last year that he said Peyton Manning was much more of a leader than Ben Roethlisberger.

Sanders surely wasn’t talking about this Roethlisberger.

This Roethlisberger gathers a group of his teammates to work out in Georgia during the spring.

This Roethlisberger grabs quarterback coach Randy Fichtner before practice because he wants work on a couple of throws that he doesn’t quite feel comfortable with yet.

This Roethlisberger not only attends every voluntary organized team activity, he routinely stays after practice with his receivers to get in extra throws.

And more noticeably now than in his 11 previous seasons, Roethlisberger is more than just a quarterback during practice — he’s being a coach, as well.

“It’s fun because I can tell the guys what I want on the field and they are going to listen because we all want to be the best we can be and help each other win,” Roethlisberger said. “I am just happy to have the coach’s blessing to be able to do that and not stepping on anybody’s toes.”

It’s a natural progression for Roethlisberger to step into a more hands-on approach with the offense.

“Man, that comes with being him,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “It’s evolved over the nine years I have been with him and it should. It is a natural maturation process. Not only in terms of what he is doing but understanding the scheme and approach we are taking offensively.”

Roethlisberger never seems to pass up a teaching point when it arises, especially during the past five weeks of spring practices.

“He is really coaching them up,” backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski said. “The most important thing about the quarterback position is having guys do things the way you want them done. I see him doing that more and more. Guys listen when he talks and that’s huge.”


You can read the rest here.

Ben’s camp in emails, Facebook messages, tweets & photos:



“What a thrill for those kids! Something that they will never forget, thanks Ben!” — Lynne Covelli

“You are the best on the field and off when it comes to showing how to do great things for fans and community. Thank you for being you.” — Susan Burkhamer

Zachery Mezger ‏@coachzman
me giving Ben a pep talk having fun @ProCamps @_BigBen7 love this guy he’s so cool to me #bigbenmybud


“This brought tears to my eyes. You likely aren’t even fully aware of the amazing impact you’re having on this young man’s life! Thank you!” — Allison Busalacchi

“It is so uplifting when athletes realize “But for the grace of God . . . . ” Ben showing compassion to Zachery, as well as others, is evidence that he is a class act – – – all the way!” — Roberta Villanueva

“You are a great person Ben…very inspirational…a true human being and the greatest qb in my book!!!” — Tony R Carbaugh




Steve Davidyak ‏@Badlab
@bgradkowski5 Thanks for taking a moment to snap a pic with my boys @_BigBen7 ‘s @ProCamps! You are a class act!

“What a beautiful way to encourage the younger generation more people should revalue what they do to promote kindness and unselfishness in the world today.” — Linda Silko

Todd Warner ‏@ToddWarner8
Thanks to everyone this weekend @_BigBen7 and @ProCamps! My son Nicholas had blast! He can’t wait until next year!



SDSportsPhoto ‏@SDSportsPhoto
Throwing a pass to every camper!!! Talk about a SUPER quarterback! @ProCamps @_BigBen7

“We just stood in awe while he threw all those passes! And in addition he threw many more as he moved threw the different groups!!! Our grandson was 3 for 3!!!” — Cathy Chambers Pennybacker

“What a great thing to do! Those kids will treasure this forever!” — Claudia DeVoge



SDSportsPhoto ‏@SDSportsPhoto
Our #MCM has to be the amazing @_BigBen7! Your leadership and teamwork with the kids at […]