‘Giving back with love and friendship’
And they have done it without a lot of fanfare, without attention and cameras capturing every moment, even though they deserve accolades for the work they do.
It’s not what they look for, but on Friday night, it’s what they finally received.
“They have been amazing,” said Nicole Molinaro, President and CEO of the WC&S. “There are wives who have been with us for a while. There are wives who the players have left the game, or the team and they still reach out and help us. There are new ones that come in. They have been so consistent. They do so many programs and events for our wives and kids and they are always the highlights for our residents. Throughout the year they do wonderful activities and gestures for the women and kids. They are incredible partners.
“What we love the most is not that they do these events and provide meals, but they really talk to the women and kids. You look at the group of people when they are there, and it looks like it’s old friends talking to old friends. They get right in with our residents, talk and get to know them, and give them the hope they need. The people at our shelter get encouraged when they see outside people supporting them. It really means a lot to them. To have the partners of the Steelers, who everyone loves and cheers on, to have them come in and show them they are special is incredible. Their work is so meaningful.”
Batch & his buddies wish Brycen a Happy Birthday!
“Did the greatest quarterback in Steelers history just talk to me?! I feel like I’m the King of the World!” — Brycen, when he sees #7 in the video.
Thank you Ben!
“Thank you to Findlay High alum and Pittsburgh Steeler great, Ben Roethlisberger as his final phase of the weight room at Findlay High is completed and enjoyed by Trojan athletes. Awesome to have the athletes back. Go Trojans. Thank you. #TrojanTrue.”— Findlay (OH) Athletics Department.
No Latrobe this summer!
Statement from Art Rooney II on Training Camp
We are disappointed for our fans and the city of Latrobe that we will not be able to hold our annual training camp at Saint Vincent College in 2020, but we are adhering to the policies and guidelines set forth from the NFL for teams that travel from their facilities each year.
We look forward to returning to training camp at Saint Vincent College in 2021.
Message from Ben
The cruelty and injustice must stop, racism must end, and love must find a way to prevail.
We are all children of God, equal in His eyes, and must hold one another accountable to fair and just standards.
Johnson: Building a relationship with Ben
“It’s crazy. It’s Big Ben. He’s great. Just being able to work out with him this offseason has been good. Just getting the timing down, get a feel for him, what he likes, what he doesn’t like. How he likes to throw the ball on a certain play, certain routes. Just trying to pick his brain. I might go back up there next week and work out with him again. Just getting that timing down and get a bond with each other so we can build that trust. — Diontae Johnson.
From Teresa Varley, Steelers.com:
Going into the 2019 season, Diontae Johnson was excited about the opportunity to work with Ben Roethlisberger. But his time on the field was limited after Roethlisberger’s season ended after just two games with an elbow injury that required surgery.
The outlook for 2020 for the duo to work together is much brighter, and they have already spent some time this offseason getting prepared.
“Me and Ben started talking during the end of last season. I had to prove to everybody I can play, that I am not a bust. As the season went on, I started contributing, making plays. He was talking to me more. It’s building that trust with one another. I talk to him almost every day now. That’s my guy. We’ve got things to do this year and we are trying to win the Super Bowl together.”
In the meantime Johnson is focusing on getting himself back to full strength. During a Zoom call on Wednesday he said he is still coming back from offseason surgery he had for a core muscle injury he suffered Week 2 of the season against Seattle, the same game where Roethlisberger was lost. And despite the injury, he still had a strong season.
Johnson finished the year with 59 receptions, leading the Steelers in catches as well as leading all NFL rookies in that category. His 690 receiving yards were second on the Steelers and his five touchdowns led the team. He also had a huge impact in the punt return game and earned a spot on the second-team Associated Press All-Pro team.
More from Ms. Varley here.