Christmas is just around the corner…
And if you’re looking for an exciting gift for that special youngster, how about a gift certificate to attend Ben’s Youth Football Camp next summer?
“I just want to say how impressed I was with all the interaction that Ben had with the kids – the way he went out of his way to make it special for them. In addition to signing all the autographs and passing to all the kids – he was in their games, interacting, and just enjoying playing with them. It was obvious that he truly does this for the kids and that he enjoys it.” – Janet Parker, June 25, 2011
A Christmas gift certificate from ProCamps includes registration in The 2012 Ben Roethlisberger Football Camp plus $80.00 in upgrades, “School of the Legends” online training, a personalized commemorative certificate, a camp t-shirt and a greeting card! The Camp accepts boys and girls ages 7-14, and is held in June at Seneca Valley High School in Harmony, PA.
The Camp is 2 days and costs $199.
Last June, Ben hosted 500 children at his Football Camp and according to parents and grandparents, the Camp was a big success and their youngsters enjoyed every minute.
“Ben was obviously having a great time with the kids. He was running around cheering them on and jumping into games. The amazing thing was that he threw a pass to every single kid at the camp – nearly 500 passes. I was thinking that if he throws an average of 30 passes in each regular season game, that would be about 480 passes for the season. He threw more than that in a half hour at the camp. Our kids caught both of their passes from Ben and by the end of the two days they were tired but very happy we came.” — The Dupray Family, Fairfax, VA
Ben has some great instructors on hand to guide your child through drills and fun activities and he brings along buddies like Brett Keisel, Willie Colon, Charlie Batch, and even Coach Tomlin to work with the campers too!
You can enjoy two video’s made during the Camp by Nick Sampson, Quest for the Continent Productions:
It wasn’t pretty…
“It’s tough because it’s a mixed feeling type of thing: You’re happy to get the win, but you’re disappointed the way the offense played. I think that’s what team’s all about. The defense stepped up huge today.” — Ben, during his post-game comments.
But the Pittsbugh Tribune-Review‘s Dejan Kovacevic says it doesn’t have to be:
Only John Harbaugh could take a Gatorade bath after this one.
The Steelers stumbled, stutter-stepped and struggled to put away an eminently willing Kansas City victim Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium. It was awful to watch on every level. But we also know by now how it turns out: Ben Roethlisberger keeps plugging away, the backups admirably step up for injured starters, the defense makes the big stop, and everyone exhales.
Steelers 13, Chiefs 9.
Come on, tell me you weren’t nervous that Tyler Palko would go 70 yards there at the end.
You were?
Hey, feel free to mail any complaints to the winners, care of “Best Team in the AFC.”
But debate style vs. substance all you want. Bottom line is that the Steelers’ 8-3 record is tied for best in the conference with Baltimore, Houston and New England. And their destiny remains in their control, with their five remaining games including two against Cleveland, one against St. Louis.
Rather than agonizing over Sunday night, maybe it’s more appropriate to ask this: Why shouldn’t the Steelers return to the Super Bowl?
You can read the rest of Mr. Kovacevic’s column here.
Steelers 13, Chiefs 9
“They’re a great defense. They brought a lot of pressure and just beat us. We’ve got to look at the tape and like I say, we’re not happy with it, but we’ll be happy with a win.” — Ben on the Chief’s defense.
Post-Game Recap…
From USA Today:
Ben Roethlisberger joked that the broken thumb on his throwing hand was “still attached” after Sunday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still tied for lead in the AFC North because of it.
Roethlisberger threw a short touchdown pass to Weslye Saunders in the first half, and the Steelers took advantage of four turnovers by Chiefs quarterback Tyler Palker in a 13-9 victory that allowed them to keep pace with Baltimore atop their loaded division.
Kansas City hasn’t reached the end zone since the third quarter against Denver three weeks ago, a span of 45 offensive drives — including the final one Sunday night.
The Chiefs marched across midfield to the Pittsburgh 37 when Palko dropped back to pass. He was looking for Dwayne Bowe but threw it high and behind him, and Keenan Lewis hauled in the interception with 29 seconds left to seal the outcome.
Palko, making his second consecutive start in place of the injured Matt Cassel, also fumbled a snap and threw interceptions to Ike Taylor and Ryan Mundy on consecutive plays in the first half.
“‘Step up one more time for us defense’. They did a great job all day. It’s disappointing when you don’t play the way you want to play offensively, but you’ll take a win in the AFC any day.” — Ben, when asked what he was thinking on the sideline in the final minutes of the game.
Roethlisberger was 21-of-31 for 193 yards and an interception for the Steelers (8-3), whose defense lost All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu to a head injury in the first quarter yet still kept the bumbling Chiefs (4-7) from scoring a touchdown.
Polamalu left the game in the first quarter when he tackled 290-pound Chiefs offensive tackle Steve Maneri, who had caught a pass in the flat after lining up in the backfield.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year’s head hit Maneri’s knee and he crumpled to the turf, where he lay while […]
Big Ben ready to play
From the AP‘s Dave Skretta today:
It would take a lot more than a banged up thumb to keep Roethlisberger out this week. The Steelers (7-3) are a half-game behind Baltimore (8-3) in the tough AFC North, with Cincinnati just a game back, heading into this week’s games. They have a good opportunity to pick up a win on the road against the Chiefs (4-6), who have lost three straight and been ravaged by injuries all season.
“I’ll be out there, I guarantee that,” Roethlisberger said. “It won’t be an issue that way. Will it be an issue with pain and throwing? I don’t know.”
The truth is that Roethlisberger seems to play better when he’s ailing.
There have been numerous concussions, several knee injuries, and a fractured thumb sustained a few weeks ago against Cincinnati. Roethlisberger plans to play tonight against Kansas City, even though he admitted it’ll be painful, and that’s dreadful news to the Chiefs.
“He’s an extremely intense competitor,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said, “and I think adversity such as that brings that out of him. I think it’s a characteristic that all good competitors have.”
You can read more here.
Also This Weekend:
From ESPN AFC North Blogger‘s Jamison Hensley in his “Fived nuggets of knowledge about Week 12”:
Best under duress: It seems like Ben Roethlisberger, who has a fractured right thumb, thrives when playing in pain. But there’s no question that he is the best when it comes to handling pressure this season. Roethlisberger is completing 60 percent of his passes this season when under duress, the best rate among qualified quarterbacks.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, “under duress” is defined as situations when defensive pressure forced players to throw early, off-balance or when they were getting hit. The league average for completion percentage while under duress is 38.5 percent.
You can read the rest here.
Tonight’s game is on NBC at 8:20 PM. Go Steelers!
Thanksgiving Wishes
From Ben this evening…
“Ashley and I want to wish everyone out there all over the country and world a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving! We hope everyone has an amazing day, and don’t eat too much, lol. We all have so much to be thankful for, we hope that everyone appreciates everything the good Lord has blessed us all with. Happy Turkey Day everyone!”
From Steeler Nation…
“I would like to wish Ben, his family, and you a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope Ben is resting his thumb but getting enough reps that he will feel comfortable in the game.He is such a tough, elite, and warrior QB that always gets the job done!! I wish him, his family, and you a healthy, enjoyable, and safe Thanksgiving!! Good luck to the Steelers on SNF!! We are on the road to number #7!! Go Steelers!!” – Michelle
“Enjoy your turkey and Thanksgiving and don’t eat too much, and show the Chiefs on Sunday-night who’s the boss!!!” — Todd Ross
“Happy 1st Thanksgiving together, Ben & Ashley!” — Annette Filippone
“Ben, Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful that you are doing well!” — Susan B. Oglietti
“Happy Happy Thanksgiving! When I offer my Thanksgiving prayers you and yours will be counted amongst them! A special one for our dear Ben and family…for health and safety and healing of his thumb.” — Mary Rafail, Utah
“Would like to wish Ben and Ashley a Happy Thanksgiving as a married couple. from their die hard steeler fans in Fort Worth, Texas! Go Steelers!” — The Rodriguez Family
“Happy Thanksgiving and may Good Luck and Gods Blessings surround you and yours!” — Juanita Tondy
“Have a Happy and safe Thanksgiving!” — Terrie Frye
“Ben, hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy your time with your family. Give the thumb a rest and good luck in Sunday’s game!” — Wendy Hodges
“Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.” — Mike Clegg
“Ben, here’s wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving may the Lord bless you and your family. Enjoy your day ! You are the hero in the Florez family.” — Diana Cubilla
“Have a joyous day and give thanks for all the blessings.” — Donna Repka
“Now more than ever, be thankful for your […]
Ben’s Foundation: Kansas City Police Department receives grant
Today, Ben announced the sixth grant of the 2011 season from The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund.
The foundation will be distributing a grant to the Kansas City Police Department in Kansas City, Missouri where the Steelers will play the Chiefs this Sunday, November 27th.
The department will purchase a dual-purpose canine so that a 10-year-old veteran canine can retire. The new canine’s skill will be put to work on the national stage during the 2012 MLB All-Star Game and at presidential candidate events in the upcoming year.
Kansas City Police Commander Kevin O’Sullivan said, “The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is thrilled to be receiving this award from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation. The money will be used to purchase a dual-purpose canine for both patrol work and bomb detection. We have a great need for a young energetic pup to take the place of a very experienced dog that will be retired this year.”
The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation is distributing grants to police and fire departments in Pittsburgh and in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers in the 2011 season. Last summer, Ben invited police and fire departments in the local areas of those nine cities to submit proposals detailing their needs.
In commenting on why the mission of the foundation is so important to him, Ben said, “We’re very fortunate to be in the position that we are able to help these K-9 units. The work that is performed by the dogs and their handlers as well as the bond that is formed is incredible. We’re just thrilled to do our small part.”
For more information:
Check out Ben’s Foundation page here and the Giving Back Fund’s website here.