Throwback Thursday
“It’s a Pittsburgh thing”
It was Big Ben vs Pitt RB (and NFL Draft prospect) James Conner in a serious ping pong match last week.
The two men faced off across the table at Rep 1 Sports in Irvine, California last week, while visiting their agent, Ryan Tollner. Rep 1 tweeted a photo of the friendly competitors:
Rep 1 Sports @Rep1Sports
We snapped Ben Roethlisberger & James Conner on the sticks @ headquarters last week! It’s a Pittsburgh thing. #rep1fam
And speaking of NFL Draft Prospects…
Eastern Washington WR Cooper Kupp on his visit to Irvine, California last week:
“…in between visiting with Jared [Goff] and Carson [Wentz], I also had the privilege of throwing with Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers. Big Ben’s reputation speaks for itself, and it was clear from the start that his success over the past 13 seasons is a result of the seriousness he brings to the practice field. When it’s time to work, it’s time to work, and I really respect that in a quarterback.
Ben’s goal, from the second he steps on the field, is maximizing his work. He knows exactly what he wants and how he wants it done. He’s been slinging the football for a long time now and he’s seen everything. He’s worked with every kind of receiver, and he’s thrown every route imaginable.
He’s also seen the issues guys have, and it would have been a mistake if I didn’t try to absorb as much as I could about what makes the NFL’s most successful receivers so good at what they do.
It’s clear that there’s more to being a good pro than simply being talented and productive in college.
For starters, in the NFL every route is a little deeper. The 15-yard bench route you ran in college is now a 20-yard route in the pros, so timing is absolutely critical. Fortunately, when you’re working with a passer like Ben, you can always count on his timing being perfect. It’s not just, ‘I’ll hit you in the chest.’ It’s, ‘I’ll hit you in the chest, off your seventh step, every time.’ And as a receiver, that consistency makes things easy. You know when you turn your head that the ball is going to be where it’s been every time.”
You […]
Ben’s foundation: Final grants awarded
We’re very fortunate to be in the position that we are able to help these K-9 units. The work that is performed by the dogs and their handlers as well as the bond that is formed is incredible. We’re just thrilled to do our small part. — Ben.
Today, Ben announced the final grants of the 2016-17 season from The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at www.givingback.org. The Foundation will be distributing eight grants totaling $76,000 to police departments in the Pittsburgh area.
The K-9 departments receiving funding from Ben this year include the Arnold Police Department, Castle Shannon Police Department, Findlay Township Police Department, Ligonier Township Police Department, Mt. Oliver Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, West Mifflin Borough Police Department, and the
Wheeling West Virginia Police Department. These departments will be utilizing their respective grants in a variety of canine-focused initiatives including the purchase and training of new K-9s, replacing and upgrading K-9 vehicles, and the acquisition of new safety & training equipment.
This announcement completes the foundation’s tenth grant cycle, during which it distributed more than $150,000 in grants to K-9 units around the country. In addition to the Pittsburgh grants announced, the Foundation distributed grants to K-9 units of police departments in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers. Ben invited police and fire departments across the country to submit proposals detailing their needs.
Ben is grateful for the generous supporters who have enabled him to expand the K-9 grant program, including Pro Camps and Allegheny County District Attorney Office, as well as caring individual donors from around the country.
Sgt. Neil H. Cridge stated, “On behalf of the Findlay Township Police Department and its residents, we would like to extend our appreciation to the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation and The Giving Back Fund for their continued dedication to the law enforcement community! With the grant funding, the Findlay Township Police K-9 Unit was able to continue the program after the passing of K-9 Axel. This grant allows small departments like ours to continue to provide a higher level of service to our community, as well as surrounding areas. K-9 Scooby has already begun to […]
Our latest adventure…
took place in Legoland! This place is AWESOME!! — Benjamin, Baylee & Bodie.

I Knight thee Sir Bodie of Roethlisberger, Guardian and High Protector of Da ‘Burgh.

Mommmmmyyy!!!! Are you sure we don’t need a pilot’s license??? Or PARACHUTES? ARGHHHHH!!! — Baylee.

Whew! This is more like it! — Baylee.

Don’t worry Aunt Carlee, I’m in TOTAL control!! Prepare for a smooth landing…with a smile! — Benjamin, Jr.

The Lovely Ladies of Legoland!

We’re not just posing for a photo with painted faces – we’re making a fashion statement! Soon, everyone will be wearing face paint!. — Benjamin & Baylee.

Speaking of fashion, who wears these green shades better? Me or my big brother back in the day? Me, right?! Come on, you can say it! Me!! Oh yeah, a true fashion icon RIGHT HERE, baby! — Bodie.

Sir Benjamin, Second Earl of Steel, prepares to joust with the Black Raven of Baltimore, on his trusty mount, Seven!

Is your Mommy & Daddy as awesome as mine? — Benjamin.

Hey Grandma!! Is that a milkshake stand over there? Oh yeah it is!! — Bodie.

We totally have room for a merry go round in our yard!! — Benjamin, Jr.
And I’m totally putting it on my birthday wish list!! — Baylee.

We had such a fun day, and we sure are glad you stopped by to see just how much fun! — Benjamin, Baylee & Bodie.
Hi Steeler Nation!!










Just a reminder…
now that the NFL season is over:
Ben will be a Keynote Speaker at the Ignite Men’s Impact Weekend at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA next month!
Other Keynote Speakers include NASCAR’s Tony Stewart, Si Robertson (Duck Dynasty), J.D. Greear (Pastor at The Summit Church of Raleigh-Durham, NC), and Christian comedian & author Dennis Swanberg.
The Men’s Weekend is a full two-day event – March 17-18th.
Jerome Bettis and Tony Dungy were last year’s Keynote Speakers to an audience of 10,000.
Click here for more info.
*But don’t wait to purchase tickets – the last of ’em are selling out fast!