“I started seven days after our last game, doing cardio five to six days a week. I want to play 16 games and more.” — Ben, during an interview with Mike Prisuta today.

From Teresa Varley this afternoon, Steelers.com:

The first regular season game isn’t until September, but football season got underway for many Steelers’ players on Monday with the first day of voluntary workouts.

“It’s great to see so many guys come out, especially after a disappointing year last year,” said defensive end Brett Keisel. “Everyone is here on the first day ready to work and hopefully get back on the winning side of things.”

Among the newcomers at voluntary workouts was quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, a seven-year veteran who signed with the team in March. Monday was an opportunity for him to start building a rapport with his new teammates, including Ben Roethlisberger, and he was happy to finally get his Steelers’ career rolling.

“Ever since I signed I couldn’t wait for this day because this is the start of the 2013 football season,” said Gradkowski. “We’re excited to get it started. Just to see all of the guys here working hard, Ben, the linemen, Keisel. It’s an exciting time.


You can read more from Ms. Varley’s report here.

You can watch video from their first workout here.

You can also read more from Ben’s short interview with Mike Prisuta here.

“Brandon’s Make-A-Wish was to meet Big Ben and the Steelers. That day was the best day since Brandon was diagnosed with cancer.” — Brett Brawdy, father of Brandon.

The Brawdy family reached out to us this week to share their son, Brandon’s experience in meeting Big Ben, Brett Keisel and all of their teammates last summer:

“The day Brandon got to meet the Steelers, Ben yelled out ‘Make-A-Wish’ and was the first one to run right up to Brandon on the field as soon as the horn sounded that practice was over”, said Mr. Brawdy. “Then it was on…the whole team surrounded him like he was a rock star to sign his football! They stayed out there until he got to meet all of the players that were there.”

It was exactly what 15-year old Brandon, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer a year and a half ago, had wished for ever since his parents contacted the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“The smile and awe that was on my nephew’s face that day, captured in photos that we will forever cherish”, said his aunt, Janice Brawdy. “He lit up when he was around them. I love looking at all the photos! It was such an amazing, wonderful day for him. Thank you Big Ben and all the Steelers family for making Bran’s day one of the best days ever!”

One of the best moments of the day for Brandon was meeting his favorite player, Brett Keisel. He also posed for photos with Ben, Brett, Antonio Brown, Coach Tomlin, and smiled in several group shots with the Steelers defense!

More from Brandon’s father:

“The story behind the picture I sent of Ben reaching out to shake my wife’s hand with the huge grin on Bran’s face is one I will always remember.

After Ben yelled out ‘Make-A-Wish’, he ran towards Bran and about five feet before he got to him, he turned towards my wife and acted like the wish was for her. Everyone that was with us cracked up laughing – it immediately put everyone at ease!

Ben also knew that Brett Keisel was one of Bran’s favorite players, so Ben was introducing himself to our family as Brett!

We just couldn’t believe how much time Ben and […]

…before Big Ben’s appearance at the King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia!


The public autograph signing will take place at the Sports Vault store, at their location in the Plaza of the King of Prussia Mall on May 4th, 2013, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

The Sports Vault is across from the Food Court in the Sears wing.

Photo Ops will be available, but are very limited (see update below)!

This is Ben’s first autograph signing in PA in over 7 years! Don’t miss out!


You can get more information on pricing and purchase your tickets in advance here.

You can get travel info to the King of Prussia Mall here.


*The photo above is from Ben’s last signing event, which took place in Virginia in April, 2012. That’s big #7 fan Bryce Bishop who traveled from New York just to meet Ben, and will be attending Ben’s Football Camp in June!


UPDATE from the Sports Vault:

“Important announcement on Big Ben photo Ops – This is a limited offer due to time and will sell out. The 1st day response was the BIGGEST sales day we have ever seen. This is our warning that this option will sell out, so please do not wait. Thanks for the incredible response to this offer.”

Sun hat? Check! O-ball football? Check!

My dad and personal lifeguard? Double check!

Loved my first experience in a pool during our trip to the Breakers in West Palm Beach this week! — Benjamin, Jr.

And on a perfect Sunday afternoon…

Last day by the pool. Got my sweet hat on and enjoying the day!! — Jr.

You can see more pictures of my awesome family (and me) right here.

We start with golfer Brian Cooper, who always takes his love for the Steelers on the course with him!



“If you had the chance to watch the Golf Channel‘s series ‘Big Break Greenbrier‘, you would see that I’m very loyal to my roots of being raised in western Pennsylvania. Aside from carrying the Terrible Towel on my bag while filming the show, I also wore a Steelers belt buckle. And it so happens that #7 is my favorite number, making Ben my favorite player. The Steelers are an integral part of that town and I love being part of Steeler Nation.” — Brian Cooper.

You don’t have to be a fan of the game of golf to appreciate Coop’s golf clubs (top of the page)!


You can read more about Coop here.



Derrick Thomas: An all A’s student who is all about #7!



“Derrick is a 12-year old straight A student. He is in 6th grade and has been playing football for 7 years. He one day hopes to be as good a quarterback as Ben! He loves the Steelers and Ben as much as he loves me, his mom! Lol! One day, he hopes to make it to a Steelers game and meet his all-time favorite player, Big Ben, as we live in Oceanside, California.” — Mom Cory Thomas (that’s Dad Dave in the background).


Derrick also sent in a photo of his room, which has it’s share of Big Ben memorabilia!



Tennis with Big Ben? Absolutely!



Last June, Mark was staying at the same resort that Ben was staying at during the weekend of The Big 33 Classic in Hershey, PA. He and his friend not only met Ben on the tennis court, but Ben, ever the competitor, and his agent Ryan Tollner, played the boys in doubles for a few matches! Mark tweeted the collage of photos.

Not sure who won the matches, both Mark and Ben remained mum on that subject!

Thank you so much Mark!



And a special Shout-Out today:

Beating cancer with Big Ben!



“I am 46 years old and was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I will start […]

Ben was a call-in guest this afternoon on the Finsiders radio program.

The majority of the interview was about friend and former teammate Mike Wallace:

“Love Mike, was sad to see him go. He’s a great teammate, obviously a great player, but I thought he was even better off the field. Just a great guy, great teammate. Miami is very lucky to have him because he’s a great player.”

He also talked about the Pouncey brothers and the Steelers upcoming season!


You can listen to the podcast here.

You can also read more from his interview here.



Steelers announce 2013 Preseason Schedule!

The Steelers will play the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers.

You can watch this Steelers.com video update for more information on each matchup.

The schedule, and more info is also available here.



Also Today:

Golf with Heath Miller & other Steelers at the 16th Annual MiniGolf Classic for Project Bundle Up!

Putt with Heath, veteran Steelers and your favorite WTAE-TV personalities. Sponsor a corporate team to enjoy all of the special VIP events! One participant from each team will enjoy dinner with Heath Miller. All team members will get a professional photo, desert reception, custom apparel, and more!


You can get all the info you need for this great event here, and for all the news on Heath here.



And:

Throwback Thursday!

Video Highlights – Big Ben and the Miami RedHawks at the 2003 GMAC Bowl

“Ben Roethlisberger ended his college career in style. Roethlisberger passed for 376 yards and four first-half touchdowns to lead No. 14 Miami of Ohio to a 49-28 victory over Louisville in the GMAC Bowl on Thursday night before announcing his decision to leave school early for the NFL.” — John Zenor, Associated Press.