“Footbahlin’ with Ben Roethlisberger”, Episode 33
19 years ago this month…
“QB United” launches global suicide awareness campaign
“I have no doubt that this group’s united voice will inspire others to walk alongside us…” – Jeff Hostetler.
QB United Press Release:
Two-time NFL Super Bowl champion Jeff Hostetler, QB United‘s founding member and spokesman, expressed how unprecedented this collective movement is. “I am really impressed with how quickly this group of QBs responded. This unified voice is going to attack suicide, which has reached historic levels, by bringing awareness, hope, and ultimately healing. I have no doubt that this group’s united voice will inspire others to walk alongside us, now and in the future.”
The QB United quarterbacks are among the most accomplished and recognizable names in NFL history, including Troy Aikman, Terry Bradshaw, John Elway, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Dan Marino, Joe Namath, Dak Prescott, Ben Roethlisberger, Doug Williams and Steve Young.
Together they span seven decades of NFL champions, have 21 Super Bowl victories, 11 are Pro Football Hall of Famers and nine are current NFL quarterbacks. They are joining forces as one united, powerful, and trusted voice to drive awareness, hope, and healing for some of the most important charitable causes in the world.
QB United Campaign, Video Launch with NFL Sunday Kickoff, World Suicide Prevention Day
QB United’s suicide prevention campaign features a one-minute video which aggregates short mobile video clips by the 57 current and past NFL quarterbacks who speak directly on camera, providing messages of support: “talk to someone,” “talk to your family,” “you matter,” “stay here with us,” “you are loved,” and “it’s OK to talk about it.” The video highlights that, according to the World Health Organization, every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide, less time than the video itself. Here is a 30-second version of the one-minute video which debuts September 10.
For more information, click here.
To get involved, click here.
“Ben’s first start was memorable”
From the Steelers website on that memorable start:
Ben Roethlisberger’s first NFL start was delayed after a 1 p.m. kickoff against the Dolphins was changed to 8:30 p.m. because of Hurricane Jeanne, but it was worth the wait for the rookie quarterback.
While the hurricane moved out by game time, the bad weather didn’t as a tropical depression brought rain, wind, and muddy conditions to Pro Player Stadium.
“It was muddy, it was wet, but it was fun. Talk about getting thrown into the fire, playing in a hurricane and against that defense.” — Ben.
The Steelers managed 155 yards in the first half, but could only muster a Jeff Reed field goal while battling the conditions. The defense was in shutdown mode, holding the Dolphins to just 54 first half yards and forcing three turnovers to take a 3-0 lead into the locker room at the half.
The start of the second half was slightly delayed so the grounds crew could treat the dirt baseball infield at Pro Player Stadium, and while the footing was never good, the Steelers did get rolling.
A 51-yard field goal by Reed extended the Steelers lead to 6-0 in the third quarter, but the Dolphins closed the gap in the fourth quarter to 6-3 on an Olindo Mare 34-yard field goal.
The Steelers hard-hitting defense kept the Dolphins out of the end zone, but the Dolphins No. 1 ranked defense couldn’t do the same.
Roethlisberger engineered a fourth quarter touchdown drive, highlighted by two third down passes, an 18-yard completion to Plaxico Burress and 20-yard grab by Hines Ward. Roethlisberger capped it with a seven-yard touchdown to Ward, who made an amazing, diving catch for a 13-3 lead that would stand.
“You got to give a lot of credit to both Hines and Plax for staying with me on those scrambles. And it’s a lot to ask of an offensive line not to hold when you scramble.” — Ben.
Roethlisberger’s numbers might not have been eye-popping, completing 12 of 22 passes for 163 yards and having his first pass of the game intercepted, but his […]
The NFL season is just around the corner
“Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the spiritual lives of pro football’s top athletes. Recounting their struggles and successes both on and off the field, Ben Roethlisberger, Adam Vinatieri, Kurt Warner, Vinny Rey and many others explain how faith in God can help you tackle life’s challenges. Foreword by Atlanta Falcons safety William White.”