The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation started when a police K-9 was shot and killed where I grew up, in Findlay, OH. My family and I were moved by what that dog meant to the police force, and learned that similar K-9’s all over the country are helping to keep our communities safe. This last week, a K-9 officer named Rocco was killed in my current hometown of Pittsburgh. After talking with officer Phil Lerza and getting his blessing, the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation would like to announce that we are going to get Officer Lerza a new dog. Rocco can never be replaced, but we only hope to help with the healing process and to provide Officer Lerza with another loyal partner.

Little 3-1/2 year old Steelers fan Justin Husar is at Children’s Hospital recovering from a serious bout of Chronic Asthma, something he has been dealing with since birth, and the Croup (a harsh, barking cough).



“What makes it hard is Justin loves football so much and he reenacts every play,” said his mom Amber. “His love for playing unfortunately exacerbates his asthma. It’s hard to get him to sit still! But, I’m sure this is a small bump in the road and he will overcome and go on to be a Super Star one day!”.

Just like his favorite player!

“He’s a huge Big Ben fan! We have to have Steeler games on 24/7 and he takes his little ‘Big Ben’ doll everywhere! He throws a perfect spiral football, learned by watching Ben over and over…It’s hilarious!”


Steeler Nation, keep this little fella in your thoughts and prayers as he overcomes this “bump in the road”!

From Scott Brown today at ESPN.com:

A strong finish that nearly propelled the Steelers into the playoffs following an 0-4 start has positioned them to return to the postseason following a two-year absence.

That is the consensus of the eight ESPN NFL Nation reporters whose teams they cover were designated as ones trending up after missing the playoffs. All eight reporters voted on the order of the teams trending up, and the Steelers finished first among those teams that are most likely to make the playoffs next season.

Ben Roethlisberger is probably the biggest reason why.

He is easily the best quarterback among those on the eight teams in this survey, and he is still in his prime as his play in 2013 showed.

Roethlisberger set a franchise record for completions in a season (375) while also throwing for 4,261 yards — the second-highest total of his career — in leading the Steelers to a 6-2 record in the second half of the season. Roethlisberger will be complemented in 2014 by a ground game anchored by Le’Veon Bell, who could develop into the Steelers’ best running back since Jerome Bettis…


You can read more here.

Ben poses with USC offensive tackle Kevin Graf in Southern California this week:

“Was awesome getting to meet one of the NFL’s best, Big Ben Roethlisberger, and learn how to become a successful pro!” — Kevin (@KevinGraf77)

Ben and teammates Markus Wheaton and Derek Moye were working in the warm Southern CA sun this week with Velocity Sports Performance Director P.J. Nestler, and upcoming NFL Combine players.


You can see other photos here.

You can learn more about Kevin here.

This Valentines Day, make it Big Ben’s BBQ Sauce for the Black & Gold fan in your life!!

And as a bonus when placing your order:

You will receive a FREE Pittsburgh Skyline Milk Chocolate Candy Bar.

Also, anyone who places an order will be eligible to win an autographed Big Ben jersey!

Orders must be placed by February 9th to be shipped for Valentines Day. The winner of the autographed jersey will be selected and notified the same day.


Did you know…

that Ben makes no personal profit from the sale of his BBQ sauce?

In fact, his BBQ Sauce sales and fundraising have helped raise over $150,000 for his favorite charities, including The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation!

A great sauce for a great cause!


If you are looking for ways to raise funds for your organization, call 412.867.0681 for details!

“I’m moved by what Rocco meant to Officer Lerza and his family. That’s exactly why I feel passionately about the work of my foundation. These dogs play a critical role in keeping our communities safe, and the bond with their partner is unique because they live with them and are part of their family. Rocco was special.” — Ben, earlier this week.

From Amy McConnell Schaarsmith and Liz Navratil, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

However priceless a police K-9 like Rocco becomes to his handler, his handler’s family and his unit, acquiring and training him comes at great cost.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police spends between $6,500 and $8,000 to purchase an untrained dog with Rocco’s raw talent for police work, according to a spokesperson. Sharpening that talent into real, proven skills can costs tens of thousands of dollars and months of training, creating an additional burden for an already grieving police unit when a canine officer dies.

Pittsburgh is still mourning the loss of Rocco, an 8-year-old German shepherd originally from the Czech Republic who will be honored with a service at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Oakland on Friday. But while no one can replace Rocco, who died Thursday evening from blood loss and pneumonia resulting from a stab wound from a suspect, the department might soon have help with the expense of finding and training another K-9 officer.

The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, begun by the Steelers quarterback in 2006 to acquire and train police dogs, plans to begin announcing grants now that the Super Bowl is over, said foundation relationship manager Jessica Duffaut.

“I do believe we’ll be making a separate announcement regarding Rocco’s department and what we might be able to do for them,” Ms. Duffaut said.

Ms. Duffaut did not discuss what, if any, dollar amount might be offered. Since 2006, the foundation has made grants in excess of $1 million.

For now, she said, Pittsburgh residents need a chance to grieve for Rocco.


You can read more here.

You can also read about efforts to enact “Rocco’s Law” here.

Want to learn more about Ben’s foundation? You can do so here.


Photo: Pittsburgh Police Department