“Big Dad”
“Family is super important to me. We’re really excited. We can’t wait for that day to come.” — Ben, from the interview below.
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette‘s Gary Dulac today:
Ben Roethlisberger said he can’t wait to be a father, and he is hoping to be just like the one who raised him.
Roethlisberger and his wife, Ashley, are expecting their first child, a boy, though the two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback did not divulge the due date.
“My dad is my role model, always has been,” he said, referring to his father, Ken. “I always wanted to be man-father-son, everything that he is.”
You can read the rest here.
And more from his interview at WTAE:
Roethlisberger said he hopes to celebrate another Super Bowl victory with his growing family.
“If you talk to any player, the ultimate goal is try to have your son or daughter or both at the Super Bowl, so that’s going to be my goal now to get a Super Bowl because I don’t think there’s anything better than having your family on the field with you when you’re holding that trophy and the confetti’s falling,” he said.
You can read the rest here.
Also Today:
Ben’s thoughts on the first day of mini camp can be found here.
Wonderful news to share today…
Ashley and I are proud to let you all know that we are expecting a baby boy later this year! It is truly a blessing and we are so excited! — Ben
Just a sample of the more than 2,000 messages from Steeler Nation this afternoon:
“That’s awesome news! Thanks for sharing your wonderful news with Steeler Nation!” — Misty Mills
“Dear Ben and Ashley, what fantastic news – a precious baby boy – how wonderful for you and your families. CONGRATULATIONS! God Bless you!” — Karen Baker
“Congrats to you both! Steeler Nation prays for a healthy happy little one!” — Glen D. Gowland
“That is Awesome! As a mother of two boys…. I am wishing you a Lifetime of Love and Laugh…..many, many laughs!” — Shelly Graffice Mott
“WHOO-hoo!!! Congrats To the both of you. Another member of STEELER NATION is on his way!!” — Dennis Mosqueda
“Congratulations Ben and Ashley, so very happy for you two. They are a gift from God. You are in my prayers for happy, Healthy baby boy.” — Paula K. Dulaney
“Great news!!! Congratulations to both of you! How exciting! God bless you always!” — Mathy Delgadillo
“Congratulations to Ben & Ashley on the news that they are expecting a baby!!! How exciting!!!” — Anita Doddroe
“Congratulations Ben and Ashley! Much happiness to you all!” — Jolene Kolosky
“Congrats to you guys. It sounds cliche, but it’s a life changer and you’ll always look at things a little different. God Bless.” — Brandon Lattanzi
“Congrats to both of you! You two will be great parents!” — Kathie Chambon
“OMG!!! Congrats Ben and Ashley!!!! That’s so awesome!! The #1 Qb in the NFL is having the next #1 Qb in the NFL!!” — Greg Conrad
“Congratulations, possibly a new Steelers quarterback for the future. Steeler Nation welcomes Baby Boy Roethlisberger!!” — Gayle K. Cherry
“You will smile and laugh a million times, and that’s just the first year. Warmest congratulations to both of you!” — John McGinnis
“Congratulations Ben and Ashley!! May he follow in daddy’s NFL footsteps!!” — Amy McGlumphy
“Congratulations to our new future Steeler fan!! […]
There’s still time…
to get your tickets!!
It was such an honor for me to play in the Big 33 Classic, given the tradition of the game and legacy of great players. I am excited to return now as the Honorary Chairman, to be involved again in something truly special.— Ben
The Big 33 Football Classic will be played on June 16th, 2012 at 7:00 PM at the Hersheypark Stadium.
Ben, who is a Big 33 alumnus and played in the 2000 Big 33 Football Classic, is the game’s Honorary Chairman.
In 2003, Ben led the Miami Red Hawks to an unbeaten record in the MAC, a No. 10 ranking in the Associated Press poll, and a 49-28 victory over Louisville in the 2003 GMAC Bowl.
His number was retired by the Red Hawks in 2007 – becoming only the third athlete in Miami football history to have his jersey number retired. It was the first time in 34 years Miami retired a football jersey number. Just last month, Ben was selected as one of six individuals to be inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame later this year.
For ticket information, click here.
If you can’t attend, you can watch the 2012 PNC Big 33 Football Classic on NFL Network.
Last day of OTAs
Ben stopped to answer questions from the many media members today at Heinz Field as the team completed their final day of organized team activities:
He was asked why he was wearing Max Starks’ No. 78 –
“I did it last year, and it’s just…I’d say he’s my draft class guy, locker mate, just ‘in honor of’.”
Once again, Ben was asked about the new playbook –
“We’ve definitely made strides. They may not be giant strides, but they’re strides forward. I don’t think we’ve taken any backward. That’s the key — and it’s just OTAs right now. It will come next week for mini-camp.”
Ben also talked about rookies David DeCastro and Mike Adams, both of whom have missed OTAs because of their academic schedules –
“I hate to talk about rookies, because I don’t want them to get a big head (laughs). I’ve heard so many great things about both of them. so we’ll see what it’s like having them in person.”
You can watch/listen to Ben’s full interview with the media here.
Ben was the fan this time!
I was playing golf in Rocco Mediate’s golf outing for charity, and I was lucky enough to get to meet Big Break Ireland winner Mark Murphy! What a great guy! He was my pick to win the show because Ash and I watch it every week. — Ben
Mr. Murphy was the winner of the 11th edition of this popular Golf Channel reality show that is played at the K Club in Straffan, County Kildare, Ireland.
Ben and Mr. Murphy participated in Rocco Mediate’s “Love of the Game” Charity Golf Tournament yesterday at Sewickley Heights Golf Club.
You can see all of Ben’s photos in his album here.