Today, Ben announced the seventh grant of the 2012-13 season from The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund.

The Foundation will be distributing a grant to the Baltimore Police Department where the Steelers will play the Ravens on Sunday, December 2nd.

The Baltimore Police Department plans to use the funds to add a bomb-detecting dog to their K-9 unit and to purchase a bite suit for training purposes.


This marks the sixth season that The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation has distributed grants to K-9 units. The mission of the 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 and to support other charitable organizations, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation.


You can get more information about Ben’s Foundation here!

You can also contact Stephanie Sandler at the The Giving Back Fund.



And speaking of Baltimore….

“I’m not a hundred percent but we’re going to get as close as we can.” — Ben

Ben answered questions from the media today about the progress of his injured shoulder and rib, his ability to practice, and his arm strength as the team prepares for their showdown with the Ravens.

“I can play through a lot of pain, so, that is a little bit,” said Ben. “But, mostly it’s just to me, ability. Can I make the long throw? Can I put a lot of zip on the ball, throw it really hard before people like Ed Reed and defenders can get to the ball, because if I can’t then I’m not putting this team in the best situation to win games.”


You can watch video from the Q&A here.


UPDATE: On Friday, November 30th, the Steelers announced on their website that Ben “has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens”.

…have been pouring in from Steeler Nation the last few days for Ben & Ashley on the birth of their son, Benjamin Jr.


Below are just a few of the many messages received via email, the website’s Facebook page, and Twitter:

First huddle. “Congrats to the Roethlisbergers!! He’s one proud papa and deserves every minute of it!!” — Deb Bernocco


“Welcome to the world Little Benjamin and welcome to the Best Club in the World Big Ben, The Dads Club!” — David LeBon



“Being a parent is THE best thing in the world. Good luck and Blessings!” — Tami B. Duda


“Congratulations from all of us here at Steeler Nation in Guam. God Bless you and your family!” — David Karl Taitano

“In 23 years, it will STILL be the same old Roethlisberger/Brady debate: Who is the better Ben at QB? Ben Roethlisberger Jr. or Ben Brady….I will take Jr. over Brady!” — Jackie Gerring, CA

“Ben, you and the Mrs., you’ve done good! Your son is just precious!! Congrats to you both and your new baby!!” — Michelle Catlett


“Scrambled out of the pocket and into the loving arms of mom and dad! Happy for ya!” — Mark Schneider


“Now your life really begins!” — Pat Hergert


“Daddy’s little backup.” — Joe Kovalcik


“Born a champion already, cant wait to see him in a STEELERS uniform in 22 yrs, like his father. Way to go Ben.” — Michael Zavala


“Please tell Ben that I said congrats and that I know how happy he is because I became a father 4 months ago and it’s the best felling in the world. I wish them both the best with their baby boy Ben Jr.!” — Mario A. Rodriguez, Chihuahua, Mexico

“Congratulations Big Ben and Ashley. Ben you will be a hero in the heart of this little guy for ever, he is the greatest gift God can give.” — Nancy Crissman

“Welcome to Steelers Nation ‘lil Ben! CONGRATULATIONS Ben & Ashley…he’s precious!” — Marci C. Lonsinger


“Such a handsome baby! The future Steelers quarterback of 2035 and beyond!!” — Marsha Leighty


“Hey little handsome man!! Welcome to our world!! So stinkin’ cute!!” — Julie Sheehan


“Congrats Ashley! Treasure you little blessing from the Lord. Hope […]

“I’m going to try. It’s killing me to watch.” — Ben, when asked by reporters after yesterday’s game if he will be ready to play next weekend.

From ESPN‘s Chris Mortensen:

The Steelers quarterback will begin soft-tossing the football early in the week to test his range of motion and work through the pain of his rare rib and shoulder injury, according to team sources.

Roethlisberger slept much better this week, a source said, even with newborn son “Little Ben” in the house.

Roethlisberger’s pain tolerance and range of motion could determine whether he plays next week.

“I honestly have no idea what the plan is,” Roethlisberger, who is no longer in a sling, said after the Steelers’ loss at Cleveland on Sunday.


You can read more here.

And we have a little surprise for Big Ben –























#7’s NUMBER ONE supporters! We love you Daddy! X0X0

Go Steelers!! — Ashley and Benjamin Jr.



You can see Benjamin Jr.’s first photo here.

Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger, Jr.



























Ben’s favorite photo so far…and dad’s new screensaver for his phone!


He is definitely a chip off the old block!


*Thank you to everyone who sent in emails, posted to the site’s Facebook page, and tweeted Congratulations!!

From Ben this Thanksgiving morning:

We would like to let everyone know that last night at 10:06 PM Ashley and I welcomed a healthy, beautiful baby boy into this world.

Benjamin Jr. is 7 lbs. 1 oz., and 19-1/2 inches long. Both mom and baby are doing well.

We want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, it really means a lot to us. God is so good!

We will have pictures to post this weekend.

We hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving! — Ben, Ashley, and Benjamin