A different kind of Fan Friday

“Ben, despite the outcome of Sunday’s game, I’m a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan win, lose, or draw. I’m thankful each year for all the hard work and dedication you and the rest of the team put in. We might have fallen short of winning the Super Bowl but this has been like no other season. I look forward to being back at Heinz Field cheering on with the rest of Steelers Nation. Hope you and the entire family stay safe and well during the off-season.” — David K.

“So sorry for your sadness at the last game. You are a good man and a great athlete. I am a Ravens fan but your sadness touched me. Feel Better. God Bless you!” — Sallie Dicus.

“You can’t see Ben’s signature on the mini helmet but that’s my favorite piece. I don’t know what it is about him but he is pure gold. I’m grateful for him sharing his story and giving his life to Christ. I’m overjoyed at his beautiful family and his love for his brothers and the fans. May God continue to bless and keep your family.” — Retta Timmons.

“As a life long Steelers fan, I will say comfortably, Ben my friend, you are one in a million. I am only one year younger than you with a family of my own. When my daughter played flag football (ages 5-7 yikes)they let each child play quarterback in a cycle. Years later her coach (bless this man) told me he would laugh because at practices Jillian would keep asking when she gets to play Big Ben. She could not accept the word quarterback, her terminology for the position was ‘Big Ben’. My family has been blessed to see almost every NFL game you’ve played in one way or another. When it comes this last game, the stars did not align for us. Mistakes can be compounded in this game so quickly, and most people know that. But I believe you played an amazing game, and didn’t stop fighting. Some care only about winning, I come for the fight. You have been consistent for that Ben. You have never given up over the years. Obviously you have decisions coming up. No matter what may come remember, we would want you back another 17 years if you could do it. God bless you and you’re family. And thank you for another hard fought season.” — Joshua Daniels.

“Thank you Ben for all of your hard work and dedication to this team and the fans. We appreciate everything you’ve put into it for us. Much love.” — Justin McGonigle.

“Don’t know if Ben will see this or not but just wanted to let him know how much myself and my family have appreciated everything you’ve done for the city of Pittsburgh. No matter where/what you do from here it’s been 1 HELL of a ride. But of course, we want you back but also understand if you don’t. No matter what this part of Steelers Nation loves you man!” — Mike Carothers.

“While we were at the mall, Jackson and his friend Shawn found these in a store. They came to us and were so happy that they found them, and had put their money together to buy them. Always Big Ben Proud!” — Erin Novak.

“Ben, I really have this need to tell you that you made us dream as never before during this season, and even with this last game, every moment worth it lots of blessings and respect for you! Thanks for being this amazing human being and leader you are for our team! Salutes from Mexico!” — Iris Fernandez.

“May God Bless you and your Family in your journey. Always be my QB. My Dad had Bradshaw, I got my Big Ben! Hope to meet you some day in Puerto Rico!” — Carlos Medina.

“I want to start off by thanking you. You are the reason I became a fan of football. You’re the reason I came to love the sport, actually. Being a 25 year old man born in Washington PA, and raised in Steubenville Ohio (located about 40 mins outside of downtown Pittsburgh) as a kid I had no clue what team to root for. Living in the Ohio Valley, we have as many Cleveland fans and Bengals fans as there are Yinzers, so I never really had a favorite team at a young age. However, with living so close to the city, all of my early school field trips were annually to either Heinz Field or PNC Park, so naturally being from a smaller town like Steubenville I fell in love with the big city of Pittsburgh immediately.

Then 2004 came along. As I stated, I didn’t know who to root for sports-wise but I knew my family liked the Steelers so I had to like them to. Then you came along, Ben. You had the most exciting rookie season that Pittsburgh could have asked for. You made me proud to call myself a Pittsburgh fan for the first time. From then on, you cemented 17 years of loyal fanship, man. I just want to thank you for every single game you have given us, and how every single game you have played your heart out. I tell my friends and family every game that we fall behind in that as long as we have #7 on the field we will always have a chance to win. My Browns fan friends always disagree on that one but the jokes always on them in the end when we play! (Normally) Hahah. I pray that God helps you make the right decision in the upcoming season and I wish you and your family excellent health and nothing but the best regardless of any decision you make. Thanks again, big guy.” — Dusty Haspel.

“Ben, don’t retire. The true fans love your grit, passion and love for our city. I know I am just a fan who bleeds Black n Yellow, but you still have it. Yes, it! Enjoy your offseason with your family and hope to see #7 going for #7 in 2021/2022 season. Thank you!” — Larry Huber, PS4L.

“Ben, each and every season you always give the fans what they need the most and that is hope. You are the epitome of ‘Don’t Quit’! I am proud that you are the QB of the team I have loved for 50 years!” — Anita Doddroe.

“Hey Big Ben, I have been a life long Steelers fan. My first game I remember fully watching was the ‘05 playoffs against the Colts ….”wide right”. Anyway, I think you played a fantastic season and we’d be lucky to have you again next year. Sometimes people don’t know how good a player is until they are gone, but I know you are the best quarterback to play for the Steelers I mean even terry bradshaw said it. Anyway thank you for all the memories this year. Unfortunately my Big Ben jersey is too small for me and I can’t afford a new one as I’m a student but maybe in a few years so I can rep you every game!” — Sincerely a true Steelers fan, Austin Aikins.

“God brought you through your surgery for us to enjoy you leading our Steelers. Can’t wait till the 2021 season hopefully to see you in person leading us again. I believe in my Big Ben 💛🖤” — Marilyn McClellan.

“Amazing what you went through & how you came back for the season, my friend. Says a lot about your character & determination. Hope to see you & the family in GA. #Respect” — Todd Ezrailson.

“Hello Big Ben, I’m 19 years old from the small town of Oil city, Pa and I just want to take a minute and say don’t let none of this talk bring you down! Your one of my biggest role models and you did amazing this year, especially coming off your injury. I also want to say thanks for everything you have done for the community and Steeler Nation. I hope I can continue to watch you on the field next year. THANKS Big Ben!” — Kaden Geib.

“When you took the field in 2004, my first thought was, ‘We finally have a quarterback!’ You’ve never let us down, Ben. You’ve been the best part of the Steelers since Day One. I’ll never forget 2005. You got us ‘one for the thumb.’ I’m one of your biggest fans and you’ll forever be my favorite player. All the best to you and your family.” — Wendy Goblick. (P.S. Don’t leave us!)

“Thank you Ben! Your dedication, talent and leadership has brought joy to Steelers fans for many years. In the time that you have been playing for the Steelers, I have gone through good times and trying times from getting married and having a baby to the death of a parent. In that same time, we’ve watched you grow from a rookie who shocked the football world with your abilities to a husband and father off the field and a mentor and veteran leader on the field. Just like my family, you leading the Steelers has been a constant. Last year when I heard the news you had a season ending injury, the thought of your career ending felt like a ‘gut punch’. Nonetheless, I was so happy when you planned to come back. This season you seemed to be so grateful to be there and having fun. I sometimes think sometimes fans take it for granted what it takes being an NFL quarterback and the dedication and sacrifices you have made to continually be one of the best to play the game. I know it takes even more perseverance to come back from what could have been a career ending injury when you have nothing left to prove but simply want to win a Super Bowl for your teammates. You obviously have the determination of the poem you once told us about entitled ‘Don’t Quit’. While the season didn’t end like we all hoped, it was a great season with a lot to be proud of. I do hope you decide to come back next season. If not, I feel fortunate that I was one of few to able to go to a game at Heinz Field this season and watch you throw four touchdowns against the Bengals. I’ve been a Steelers fan all my life, but you represent Steelers football to me. I’m not ready for the ‘Ben era’ to end.” — Tara Henderson (with her friend Lydia Wroth).

“Thank you Ben for a great season! Loved seeing you out there all year. You bring so much joy to our family. The Mulinaro family loves you and always has your back! Hope we see you out there next year!!” — Lori Mulinaro.

“Thank you Big Ben! You played as a warrior until the last minute in each game, we want to see you one more year on the field.” — Roger Saucedo.

“Ben, I am a Pittsburgh native, a die hard fan and also a brother in Christ. I have followed you for your entire professional career, I pray that you receive comfort from our father in heaven. It has been a privilege to watch you on the football field ,I would love to see you on the field for another exciting season, but also understand the plans God may have for you may not be on the football field. May God bless you and your family and thank you and your family for all of the sacrifice you have all undergone to entertain us. God Bless. — Michael Estock.

“7… you are not only my all-time favorite Steeler, you are my all-time favorite athlete. At 27 years old, I have seen every single snap of yours since 2004 and I cannot thank you enough for all the heart you’ve shown us as fans and allowing me to ‘grow up’ with you as my quarterback. Some of the best moments I will forever have are a direct result from you. In 2009 I made a promise to myself that I will be at your first ballot induction in Canton and to this day that stands true. You mean more to this city and this franchise than you could ever imagine- thank you!” — Zach Parker.

“Ben, NO ONE could ever fill your shoes…they can try, but there will never be another QB under center for the Black & Gold like you! Hoping to see you back next season!” — Kenny C.

“Dear Big Ben, In first grade I had a spelling test, and each week the test had one “star” word. The star word was always more difficult than the other words and one week the star word was Roethlisberger. When our teacher told us this, I told her I had no chance at spelling your last name correctly. She told me if I practiced enough, I could certainly spell it come Friday’s test. That week, I practiced every day. I had a poster of you with your name on it on my closet door in my room and each night I’d practice before bed. Friday came, and not only did I learn how to spell your last name forward, I learned how to spell it backward. Why am I telling you this? From first grade to now (in college), in every aspect of my life you have meant so much to me and so many other yinzers in Pittsburgh. I will never forget everything you have done for this city and the Steelers Franchise. I’m writing to you after the Cleveland Browns defeated us 48-37 in the wildcard, but I know you’re not done yet. One last ride, Thank you 7!” — All Love, A Grateful Yinzer, Jack Moo.

“I am not sure what the future holds Ben, but thank you for all the awesome memories and for your blood, sweat and tears for my beloved Steelers. May God greatly bless you and your family in all your future endeavors”. — Rick Poulnett with his son, Austin.

“Ben you are a true champion and leader of this team, you give a 100 percent of yourself to this city and your fans are so grateful! Thank you for a fun season, it helped bring some happiness through a tough time that our is world facing. Enjoy your off season with your family.” — Love Billie Jo and Greg.

“Hi Big Ben, we think you are great! Today our third grade class celebrated ‘National Dress Your Pet Day’ and shared pictures in our Zoom class. I wanted you to see how big a fan our dog Tucker is. We love our Steelers! 🖤💛” —
Mrs. Martin and her third grade class from Lakeside Elementary in Northeast PA

“My heart breaks for him! Please tell him to keep his head up. We love him and hope to see him next season!” — Jamie Lee Wilson.

“Ben, you are an amazing person and much appreciated.” — Mary Jane McCaw.

“Ben, #7 is my lucky number; you have never let me down! #1 fan in Cali.” — Em.

Ben, thank you so much for the 17 years you’ve given to us. It hasn’t always been perfect, and I know I’ve said some negative things about you, but I love football, and you’re a huge part of the reason why. The tackle against the Colts in the playoffs, getting Bus a ring, the touchdown at the end of Super Bowl 43, all the games you stuck out even though you were hurt, the amazing comebacks, and, my favorite, coming back in against Cincinnati in the playoffs in 2015, even though they did everything they could to hurt you. You’ve been Superman for Steeler Nation for your whole career, and I don’t know if the journey is over, but if it is, just want you to know that we appreciate the heck out of you, big fella. You’ve given me a lot of reasons to smile in my life, even in my worst moments. Love you, 7, and thank you for everything. — Troy Rolan.

“Ben, The last 17 seasons watching you play has epitomized what being a Pittsburgh Steeler is all about. One of the most memorable moments I recall was when you played the Ravens with a fractured foot and a broken nose. Looking like a wounded soldier on the battle field. You fought hard and delivered a victory to your team and Steeler Nation – such an incredible moment! We all knew you were something special! That is what it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. Your heart, loyalty, and dedication to this team and its fans is a great example for players everywhere. Especially those players who were blessed enough to have played along side you. My cousin James played his last 4 years as your RB and I couldn’t have been any prouder, to say the least. When he got drafted and I knew he’d play along side you was one of the best days ever.

Thank you Ben. I’m not sure what the futures holds for you after this remarkable 12-4 season. But, Whatever you decide just know Steeler Nation Loves You Dearly!!

(Even though I’m hoping you come back for 1 more season 🙂!) God bless you and your family, Ben.” — Warm Regards, Kim Mitchell.