Congratulations to #17…
Philip, what a career! You are an amazing competitor, winner and family man. It’s been fun to compete against you and watch you do your thing for so many years. I know countless kids have been inspired by you, and will benefit from your coaching and football knowledge in the future. God bless! — Ben.
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.
@_BigBen7 We, the fans, have no idea what you’re going through. What you showed in the second half in heart, drive & leadership was on full display. Your love for the game & your team showed! And I appreciate that. I hope for 1 more year & back YOUR choice. God bless you, sir.
@_BigBen7 Always my QB.
“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.
@_BigBen7 Steeler Nation is a special group-supporting their team unconditionally. We’re everywhere. We got your back, Ben. Always will. You have unfinished NFL business. You have more fish to fry. See you next year & all the best to you & your family.
“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.
Coach Tomlin: ‘In regard to Ben…’
Ben Roethlisberger sat on the Steelers bench for an extended period of time following Sunday night’s Wild Card Round loss to the Cleveland Browns, with his center Maurkice Pouncey next to him. Many wondered what was going through the quarterback’s mind, if he thought it would be his last time in the black and gold.
On Wednesday, a few days after the dust settled but the pain of the loss hadn’t, Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about Roethlisberger’s future, and if he had made a decision on whether or not he wanted Roethlisberger back, and to assess his play.
“We haven’t made any decisions about any of our personnel along those lines,” said Tomlin. “All of those discussions are interrelated, and we are just beginning to scratch the surface in terms of what 2021 looks like in terms of the makeup of our team and the issues relative to it.
“In regard to Ben, I can’t say enough about his performance this year. With the uncertainly coming off of injury, and particularly not having an opportunity to perform in preseason games and so forth, there really was a high level of concern about his health and his ability to perform. I can’t say enough about his efforts. I can’t say enough about the efforts of our medical staff and our rehabilitation staff that worked hand in hand with him to get him to that process and get him to stadiums this year. I was more than pleased with the performance of his health and his ability to stay up. In terms of the quality of his play and our play, we’ll begin to assess that in the upcoming days, but in terms of him responding to the challenges that he specifically came into the season ready to face, spectacular.”
You can read more from Teresa Varley’s recap of Coach Tomlin’s earlier press conference right here.
Photo: Steelers
18 to 7
My Guy no matter what! Appreciate u for believing in me. @_BigBen7 pic.twitter.com/iMNk3YZr9Z
— Diontae Johnson (@Juiceup__3) January 12, 2021
AFC Wildcard Game: Browns 48, Steelers 37
We were fighting all the way to the end!— Ben.
Ben’s post-game interview:
I missed the fans this year. I need to apologize to them for tonight. I need to apologize to my teammates. — Ben.
2021’s first Lil’ Fan Friday
“Meet Benjamin Atlas. At 18 months old, he is an avid outdoorsman, loves his dogs, moms and trucks. He has touched the Atlantic and Pacific (ocean), as well as the Gulf of Mexico. He has never met a veggie he doesn’t love, and cheers passionately for undeniably entertaining Steeler Defense.” — Mom Jenna.
“My name is Chris, and my children’s names are Autumn, Aubrey, Bryor and Maddox! We are the Steelers and Bens biggest fans!”
“Just wanted to send these of my son Noah, they are actually from the 2009 season but they are some of my favorite pictures of him, and he’s an even bigger Steelers fan now!” — Misty Kaefer.
“My son CJ’s birthday was on Christmas and he did a whole photo shoot!!” — Trenda.
“That’s my son Karston (age 10) and my stepdaughter, Sophia (age 11).” — Brett Worley.