September 26, 2004: Ben sloshes across the wet field in a driving rainstorm produced by outer bands of Hurricane Jeanne during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Steelers won 13-3.



From the Steelers website on that memorable start:

Ben Roethlisberger’s first NFL start was delayed after a 1 p.m. kickoff against the Dolphins was changed to 8:30 p.m. because of Hurricane Jeanne, but it was worth the wait for the rookie quarterback.

While the hurricane moved out by game time, the bad weather didn’t as a tropical depression brought rain, wind, and muddy conditions to Pro Player Stadium.

“It was muddy, it was wet, but it was fun. Talk about getting thrown into the fire, playing in a hurricane and against that defense.” — Ben.

The Steelers managed 155 yards in the first half, but could only muster a Jeff Reed field goal while battling the conditions. The defense was in shutdown mode, holding the Dolphins to just 54 first half yards and forcing three turnovers to take a 3-0 lead into the locker room at the half.

The start of the second half was slightly delayed so the grounds crew could treat the dirt baseball infield at Pro Player Stadium, and while the footing was never good, the Steelers did get rolling.

A 51-yard field goal by Reed extended the Steelers lead to 6-0 in the third quarter, but the Dolphins closed the gap in the fourth quarter to 6-3 on an Olindo Mare 34-yard field goal.

The Steelers hard-hitting defense kept the Dolphins out of the end zone, but the Dolphins No. 1 ranked defense couldn’t do the same.

Roethlisberger engineered a fourth quarter touchdown drive, highlighted by two third down passes, an 18-yard completion to Plaxico Burress and 20-yard grab by Hines Ward. Roethlisberger capped it with a seven-yard touchdown to Ward, who made an amazing, diving catch for a 13-3 lead that would stand.

“You got to give a lot of credit to both Hines and Plax for staying with me on those scrambles. And it’s a lot to ask of an offensive line not to hold when you scramble.” — Ben.

Roethlisberger’s numbers might not have been eye-popping, completing 12 of 22 passes for 163 yards and having his first pass of the game intercepted, but his […]

…shared by Mr. Jim Kelly on Instagram.

…and so is Christmas!🎄😉

A book that may be of interest to Steelers fans (and football fans in general) –



‘First Down Devotions’ by Del Duduit:

“Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the spiritual lives of pro football’s top athletes. Recounting their struggles and successes both on and off the field, Ben Roethlisberger, Adam Vinatieri, Kurt Warner, Vinny Rey and many others explain how faith in God can help you tackle life’s challenges. Foreword by Atlanta Falcons safety William White.”


Available on Amazon.

…with two of his best friends!

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“Had a great weekend hanging out with these two Hall of Famers shooting some skeet and raising money for Hunter’s Hope and all the kids that @jimkelly1212‘s foundation supports. Love these two guys.” — Merril Hoge, via Instragram.

“Continual success demands a versatile toolkit. Just as a mountaineer tests their tools on various peaks, so must we challenge our skills across different landscapes. Embrace the journey of growth, for in stagnation, even past victories can become losses.” — Merril Hoge, via Facebook.

Put your favorite jersey on, grab some snacks, & spend your Steelers pre-game time watching the latest episode with Ben and Spence!



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And don’t forget your “Footbahlin” merchandise: https://footbahlin-2.myshopify.com

Why yes it is! Mr. Roethlisberger sampling burgers 🍔:

“Look who stopped in for the best burgers in the land! Big Ben!” — The folks at Field Burger and Tap Restaurant.