It’s Bensday

Nothing but love from #SteelersNation 🙌 #ThankYou7 pic.twitter.com/iqahsqTkjr

— SteelersNationUnite (@SteelersUnite) January 31, 2022

I asked my parents during the 2004 season how long quarterbacks usually play. They told me 10–15 years, if they’re good. I will never forget calculating that that meant I would be in college when you retired and thinking “that’s great, by the time he retires I will be too old to care” – boy was I wrong.

I can’t explain why my 7-year-old self idolized you before I ever saw you play – but I am sure glad I did. Not only have you brought me, and my family, countless moments of joy (and also sadness), but you have played a pivotal role in the formation of my life. I know, that sounds dramatic – heck, I’ve only met you twice (best days ever). But, truthfully, I cannot imagine the person I would be without you.

You were a friend I could count on to show up every Sunday, when I felt left out by others. You were a motivator when I felt like I couldn’t do my last round of practice/conditioning because I knew you would give 110%. You were proof of the grace of God and how important having real faith is. You were a teacher, a mentor, and an inspiration, among many other things. Overtime, people just started associating me with you. Heck, the number 7 has become so important to my life that when I started a business, it had to be in the name.

This whole experience can be summed up by one quote: “how lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”. The sadness I had felt about pretty much seeing you for the last time has turned to appreciation and joy for what I have had and for you. I am so excited for you to step into your new life, away from being sacked and away from mean people – you deserve it.

I just turned 25, and I was 7 when you were drafted. I will miss you everyday, and probably will shed a few tears come training camp/opening day (in addition to the ones already shed, obviously). I will be grateful for you for the rest of my life. I know I won’t see you on social media or in the broadcast booth, but maybe we can become pen pals or something?!?

I’m so proud of you. I love you. I will never forget you. See you in Canton!!

Love, Maddie #7 Forever.

Goodbye Big Ben. I don’t feel you were ever appreciated by the fans in Pittsburgh as much as you should have been, or by the overly glamorized, sensationalized NFL media. You didn’t care about being flashy…you simply won A LOT of football games, and had a Hall of Fame career. As much as I hate the Steelers, and as many times as I cursed your name, the reality is, I always admired your toughness and would never deny your excellence. You were the quarterback I always wished the Browns had tough, accountable, dependable, unfazed by pressure, and talented. You came a long way as both a player, and a person over the last two decades and a space awaits you in Canton. Enjoy your retirement. Job well done!

P.S. The Steelers will not be the same without you… and thank God for that!!

Rocky DiCarlo, Parma, Ohio.“

Ben, thank you so much for all that you have done and all the memories you have given me. Enjoy retirement, no one deserves it more than you do (but if you want to come back I would love it).

Thank you for everything, 7.

From,
Ryan Glazer“

A hero inspires, motivates, fights, perseveres, reaches, and leaves a mark. You will always be mine, “Big Ben”. Words are not enough, nor the length they can take, when thanking you for all the joy you have given me throughout these 18 years. I remember your rookie campaign in 2004 like it was yesterday. I was only 9 years old, and when I saw you play, I fell in love with American football. I’ve never seen a quarterback with the ability to extend plays while evading defenders and finding his wide receivers like you. The word “resilience” falls short when defining your trajectory. You never gave up; you played with your heart, regardless of physical discomfort… And is because a winner knows no limits; just gives his soul. Never gives up without first having given everything… And you are the maximum expression of this. You were the calm in the face of the storm, the stability in the face of the unknown, the hope in the face of grief… and the joy of an entire nation… the “Steeler Nation”. Life is a story with constant changes. There are cycles that start, while others end. However, the mark you left on my life will never be erased; I will carry it forever in my heart. Every time I turn on the television to see my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, the shadow of your greatness will be embodied, along with a happy memory of the old glories. From those wonder years, when I knew the magic of the game would come to life through my captain… my idol… my hero… the legendary number “7”, Ben Roethlisberger. I hope one day I can tell you all the admiration that I have for you in person. It would be my biggest dream come true. It’s funny, but a reality… you’re like part of my family, and I have a very special affection for you. Enjoy this new stage with your beautiful family. God bless you. See you in Canton, Ohio, champ!

With love, from your #1 fan, Carlos Gómez Chico Bribiesca.”

I am writing this note for my son who would have a difficult time trying to type and send you an email. He asked me if I would do this for him. His message to you was to thank you for playing with the Steelers all these years and bringing home the Super Bowl to Pittsburgh two times. He is really going to miss you. He wishes you, your wife, and children enjoy your life after your time on the field for us.

Thank you Ben, Keith Lavelle“

I’m not sure what lies ahead but my hope is that you will continue on with running Ben’s social media accounts. Thank you so very much and know that you are appreciated by Steelers Nation.

Nicole Ciufo

P.S. If you speak to Ben, please let him know how thankful I am that he was not only the QB to my favorite team, but please let him know that I am so appreciative to him for all the highs (and even the lows) Over the years. I grew up in the Pittsburgh area, but have lived in the Cincy area since 1999. My love for the Steelers has never wavered and Ben has been a huge part of that. I will be forever grateful to him and #7 will always be my Qb #1″

Your career spanned my life from when I was a teenager till now, as a 32 year old father. I’ve made so many memories to the tune of your ridiculous comebacks and triumphant style of bruiser football. Thank you for blessing the city with your never-say-die spirit.

As you go about this next season of life, I hope you experience the fullness of Christ and discover an even deeper passion for life.

If you are ever in need a graphic designer for upcoming books or ventures, please consider me. I’m a local Pittsburgher and man of faith.

I mad the below image as an honorary piece for your last game.

Josh Healey“

You’ve done a wonderful job Erin running Ben’s Twitter account…Be well, stay safe, and God Bless…

Dick Ognen, Smethport Pa“