From Mike Prisuta at Steelers.com this afternoon:

Ben Roethlisberger is back with the Steelers and fully committed to playing the 2017 season.

Beyond that he’s offering no guarantees.

“I never commit to anybody more than one year,” Roethlisberger said today at the conclusion of OTA No. 1 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “I think that’s all we should always commit to with this sport. Because if we look past this year, then we’re cheating ourselves and we’re cheating other people. We need to give this year everything that we can, everything that we have because ultimately that’s what we have, right here and right now.

“I’m here on Day One. You see me out there taking every rep I’m supposed to take and then some. I actually took some of the rookies’ (reps) today. I’m 110-percent committed.

“I’m happy to be back here. I’m happy to be back with the team. I love these guys. I love this city. I love being out here. Football is a passion of mine, it’s what I do and what I love to do.”

Among the challenges looming for Roethlisberger’s 14th season with the Steelers is sorting out the tight end position in the wake of the release of Ladarius Green.

“It’ll be tough, specially being excited about what he could bring and some of the flashes we got to see last year,” Roethlisberger said. “It’ll be tough because we were just starting to get on the same page, but we have a lot of faith in Jesse (James), obviously, what he can do, and ‘X’ (Xavier Grimble) and ‘D.J.’ (David Johnson), and all those guys.”

There’s also a crowd at wide receiver thanks to the conditional reinstatement from suspension of Martavis Bryant and the addition of second-round pick JuJu Smith-Schuster.

“I’m excited,” Roethlisberger said. “We have a lot of guys. It’s fun to be able to rotate through guys. I want to throw to each one to kind of see what they can do and start developing a chemistry.

“I also have to realize my arm probably won’t last that long.”


You can read more here.

Merril Hoge @MerrilHoge
A massive thanks to @_BigBen7 #benrothlisberger @steelers for giving their time to help support grieving kids. #highmarkcaringplace #findaway #golf

at the Steelers Practice Facility!

Yes, football!! The ProCamps Ben Roethlisberger Youth Fantasy Experience is Sunday, June 18th, 2017, and there are still a few spots left for your youngsters to join us!

Boys & girls, grades 1-8, will be working on their football skills on the same fields that the Steelers players work on theirs!

This one day camp is similar to a “two-a-day,” running from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM with a lunch break in between sessions.

Your future football star will:

• Participate in the Big Ben Skills Combine
• Catch a pass from Ben
• Receive a souvenir autograph from Ben (item provided)
• Pose for a camp team photo with Ben
• Receive Limited-edition Nike gear package
• Attend the Steelers Training Table Luncheon


The cool part – this year’s camp will be held at the Steelers Practice Facility.

Proceeds benefit The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation!


You can find out more about the camp, or sign your youngster up here.


Still not sure? Then maybe these past-camp parents & grandparents can help you decide:


“What a thrill for those kids! Something that they will never forget, thanks Ben!” — Lynne Covelli

“You are the best on the field and off when it comes to showing how to do great things for fans and community. Thank you for being you.” — Susan Burkhamer

“This brought tears to my eyes. You likely aren’t even fully aware of the amazing impact you’re having on this young man’s life! Thank you!” — Allison Busalacchi

“It is so uplifting when athletes realize “But for the grace of God . . . . ” Ben showing compassion to Zachery, as well as others, is evidence that he is a class act – – – all the way!” — Roberta Villanueva

“You are a great person Ben…very inspirational…a true human being and the greatest qb in my book!!!” — Tony R Carbaugh




Steve Davidyak ‏@Badlab
@bgradkowski5 Thanks for taking a moment to snap a pic with my boys @_BigBen7 ‘s @ProCamps! You are a class act!

“What a beautiful way to encourage the younger generation more people should revalue what they do to promote kindness and unselfishness in the world today.” — Linda Silko

[…]

Last November, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office received a $10,000 grant from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation for their K-9 Unit.

Demon (and you never want to mess with someone named, “Demon”!) is a 15-month old, dual trained K-9 that began his assignment with Sergeant Kevin Crull earlier this month.

He replaced K-9 Jax, who is now enjoying his much deserved retirement. Demon participated in his first routine school search just a couple of weeks after starting on patrol, and did a great job according to his partner, Sgt. Crull.

Demon is pictured with partner, Sergeant Crull and Chief Deputy Ryan Needham.


You can learn more about Ben’s foundation here.

And our spotlight is on Eric Ochoa:

I served 8 years in the Marine Corps, and I’ve been a Steelers fan all my life. Born and raised in California, never been to Pittsburgh, but still a fan.

During my time in the Marines, I did two combat tours in Iraq and one to Afghanistan. I remember in 2009 waking up at 2 in the morning in Iraq to watch the Steelers beat the Cardinals in the Super Bowl.


In late 2013, I had the privilege to deploy to Jordan to train the Jordanian Army before they went to Afghanistan. During one of our driving courses, I pulled out my black terrible towel, I always kept with me, and asked some of the soldiers to take a picture with me holding the terrible towel.

I told them it represents the best football team in America. Hopefully one day my wife, kids and I can make it to Pittsburgh to witness the best players at home. #HereWeGo — Eric Ochoa.


*Eric, thank you for sharing the photo & your story with us!! God bless you, and thank you for serving our country!