Monday, July 31, 2006

Steelers Pride Contest Entry # 3



Jessica (Pugh) Hardesty sent these two pics of her dog Murphy hanging out at the pool this summer showing off his Steelers spirit. Jessica is originally from Somerset, PA but now resides in Wilmington, NC. Thanks for the great pics!

He Will Remember This For The Rest Of His Life!



A day to remember
Monday, July 31, 2006
By Teresa VarleySteelers.com
Williams was the lucky winner of a new contest being held in the Steelers Experience, where kids can register to win a chance to carry a player's equipment up the hill at the end of practice.
Williams was paired with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the seven-year old from Beaver Falls, Pa. lugged the equipment up the hill, the smile ever present no matter how heavy it got for him at times.
"I am very excited," said Williams, holding on tightly to the shoulder pad and jersey.
Roethlisberger signed autographs for fans as he walked to the locker room and talked and joked with Williams along the way. He even took Williams mini-helmet and went over to Troy Polamalu and had him sign it for him.
At one point, Williams set the pads down for a moment and first-year quarterback Shane Boyd did what the newcomers do, picked up his teammates stuff to carry it for him. It was quickly given back to Williams, though, who knew he had a job to do and there was a reward at the end for it.
"Ben is going to give me something special when we get to the top," said Williams.
And that he did. As Roethlisberger was ready to head into the locker room he sat down, took off his shoe and signed it with a personal message to Williams.
"I am not going to wear it," said Williams, beaming ear-to-ear.
It will be quiet the story to share with his second-grade class this fall.

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Past Tailgates With The Rock...




Here are some pics of several of us tailgating last season before the Steelers @ Ravens contest in Baltimore. You will notice good people, good beer, and the Steelers...

The first pic is of Brian, Ben, & myself. Brian Koch is originally from Greensburg, PA but now resides in Wilmington, DE, and Ben Pugh is originally from Somerset, PA but now resides in Elkton, MD.

The second pic is of "little" Ben and his fiance Crystal Delacruz.

The third pic is of Brent Bowman(un-cool Ravens fan) originally from Cumberland, MD but now resides in Baltimore, MD and Brian again with his fiance Melissa.

The Steeler Nation Loses a Friend...


I had to crack a cold one to write this little blurb. For months now there have been reports saying that the Latrobe Brewery was to be sold and that Rolling Rock would be brewed somewhere outside of Western PA. It seemed that every newspaper account was slightly different, and I basically just took a wait and see mind set. It is now official. The brewery has been closed, and our beloved Rolling Rock will now be brewed in Northern Joisey. You know, Giants and Jets country. Ugh... Rolling Rock was one of the founding partners for Heinz Field, and something that we grew up with. It will be strange not to have Rolling Rock be a part of this in the future. I guess we will have to wait and see what happens with everything. The Rolling Rock web site is down, and as a result, I have removed the Rolling Rock site from the blog until further notice.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_463557.html

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_462001.html

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_463392.html

The Boys Are Back In Town II!





Big Ben Starts Camp Strong!

Big Ben announces himself 'ready to go'

Sunday, July 30, 2006By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


Nearly seven weeks after a motorcycle accident that nearly killed him, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger plans to take the field today with the Steelers' first offense and put the pedal to the metal.
He cleared his first hurdle by effortlessly running a series of 14 40-yard dashes with his teammates on the field at St. Vincent College in Latrobe yesterday afternoon. Today, they will gather at 1 p.m. for their first practice.
"I feel ready to go out there," Roethlisberger said after running yesterday. "Now if I get out there and I feel light-headed, I feel dizzy -- which would be news to me -- then obviously we'll have something to talk about. But as of right now, I plan on going out there and being with the first group and going strong."
Coach Bill Cowher said he wants to see how Roethlisberger does and let that determine how he uses him in training camp. Cowher said he will consider playing him in the first preseason game, Aug. 12.
"We're just going to go and keep monitoring things as we go, I think that's the best way to approach this," Cowher said. "I think there's a little more apprehension and the only way you can relieve that is to just get out there and play."
Roethlisberger had his jaw, nose and orbital bone broken in a motorcycle accident on Second Avenue June 12. He said later that he was perhaps seconds away from dying from having too much blood flow from a cut in his mouth into his stomach.
He checked into training camp at 236 pounds, 10-15 pounds lighter than last season. He looked good running and said he feels healthy.
"I'm amazed but blessed. I count my blessings every day. Every time some of my guys see me they still shake their heads, the coaches shake their heads, I shake my head every morning when I look in the mirror. I do feel blessed to be out here, to be in front of you guys, to run this test and really start playing football."
Roethlisberger could have begged out of the running drills; nine other players were held out because of various maladies. The only concession made for him was to allow him to run with two linemen, tackle Marvel Smith and rookie defensive end Orien Harris, rather than with other skill position players.
"There was a group over there of guys that something stopped them from being out here and running, and I'm sure he could have been in that group," Smith said. "But that's not the type of player he is, he's a leader of the team. For him to be out there, pushing through, shows everybody he's going to be ready for camp and that's big."
Roethlisberger trailed Smith in the final 40 before putting on a burst to tie him at the finish.
"I didn't expect anything less than what he showed out there," Smith said. "I wouldn't have been surprised if he smoked me on every one of them."
Roethlisberger has a 27-4 overall record in his two seasons as the team's starting quarterback, including playoffs, and became the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl. His accident and quick recovery from the injuries he suffered became a national story that is expected to continue during this training camp.
"I wasn't really sure how I was going to feel," Roethlisberger said of his first day of activities. "It felt good, it felt good to get it done with. It was important for me. A lot of guys said, 'Are you really going to run? You don't have to go out and prove anything to us.' But it was important for me to go out there and show the guys and the coaches that I'm out here and I'm going to give it my all."
Roethlisberger will wear his normal helmet and also try another designed for more protection of his jaw during training camp, to see if he feels comfortable with the latter. Other than that, he hopes to have a normal routine at St. Vincent College.
"That's always coach's call but, yeah, I plan on it. I plan on doing just as much. We have four quarterbacks and that might cut down on the reps a little bit because of the nature of the beast, but I do plan on being out there and giving it my all every time.
"I feel good. I feel a little worn down because I just got done running but I think all those guys are."
There's always that first hit, too, which won't come in training camp practices because all quarterbacks are off limits as targets for defensive players.
"That never feels good, whether I've been in an accident or not," Roethlisberger said. "I said it once and I'll say it again, the best protection isn't the newest technology in helmet or shoulder pads, it's the offensive line and those guys are the best in the business, so I'm a lucky guy."
In more ways than one.

The Boys Are Back In Town!





# 1 Pick Santonio Holmes Signs Deal!

First-round pick Holmes, entire Steelers roster reports to training camp

Saturday, July 29, 2006By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

By 6 p.m. yesterday, all the Steelers were present and accounted for at Rooney Hall on the St. Vincent College campus in Latrobe, an accomplishment that might rival winning the Super Bowl itself, all things considered.
Ben Roethlisberger, the quarterback who mashed his head in a motorcycle accident fewer than seven weeks ago, showed up early in the afternoon. Receiver Santonio Holmes, the top rookie who has been arrested twice since he was drafted, came in right before the reporting time and signed a contract. Joey Porter, the veteran linebacker who privately considered holding out and had knee surgery in May, reported. So, too, did cornerback Ike Taylor, who is entering the final year of his contract, just like last year's holdout Hines Ward. And, of course, Bill Cowher, the coach who talked about retirement with associates last fall, started what could be his final training camp with the Steelers.
All joined the rest of their teammates -- 86 players in all -- and coaching staff to begin preparations to defend their Super Bowl championship.
Holmes became the final piece in place when he signed a five-year contract last night for $8.11 million, including $5.42 million in bonuses. The new collective bargaining agreement limits any forfeiture the Steelers could insert in that contract, but they included as many in as permitted for a rookie who reported to camp under the biggest cloud of any Steelers first-round choice in a generation or more.
Holmes, the 25th player chosen, was unavailable for comment because he was involved in signing his contract and then whisked off to meetings. But Kevin Colbert, the team's director of football operations, said the player has toed the line since his dual arrests, one in Miami Beach for disorderly conduct and the other in Columbus, Ohio, for domestic violence and where an Aug. 15 trial date has been set.
"Our opinion hasn't changed," Colbert said of Holmes. "Obviously, he had some incidents that are being dealt with legally, they're being dealt with on a league basis as well, and he's done everything that he is supposed to do to this point.
"It's up to him to take the next step. We feel comfortable that he will make all the necessary correct steps from this point forward, both on the field and off the field."
He'll have to deal with both during his 31/2-week stay at St. Vincent College. While Holmes and the Steelers are hopeful he can resolve his domestic violence charge before it goes to trial in 21/2 weeks, there's no promise it will happen. Also, he has had to answer to the NFL because of his two arrests, although Colbert could not say what that is or still could be.
He fell behind other rookies entering training camp because he was unable to participate in any of the Steelers' spring drills other than their three-day minicamp because of an NFL policy forbidding those rookies from doing so until their classes end.
Fellow rookie receiver Willie Reid, a third-round pick who signed his three-year contract yesterday, participated in all of their spring drills and felt it provided him with a head start for training camp.
"I feel pretty confident in what we're trying to do, what the philosophy is here," Reid said of the offense. "It helps out a whole lot just to go through that whole process."
Said Colbert, "You miss a lot of football learning, so there's a lot of catching up to do."
Despite Holmes' two arrests, Colbert said he has not changed his opinion of him.
"We still feel good about the kid. He's done all the right things since the incidents. We feel good that he's going to continue to do everything correctly.
"When you pick the player, you hope that he does everything you thought he could do and we still feel that way. Our beliefs haven't changed even though he set himself back with a couple of incidents. Those will play themselves out legally. He has the opportunity to make good and we think he'll make good."
Colbert said those "incidents" were another reason it was important for the team and Holmes that he arrive in training camp on time.
"When you get some negative attention, however you get it, you want to see something positive. We all wanted to see something positive. His representation, Joel Segal, has worked very well with us to make sure his player was here on time. Santonio himself was very pro-active about making sure he was here.
"He wants to do good, there's no question about that. He'll have his opportunities and we'll see how it unfolds these next couple of weeks. But it was important for everybody for him to be here to start off on the right foot."

(Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com or 412-263-3878. )

What is Santonio Thinking?

Cook: Steelers' top pick shows no remorse on arrests, says Big Ben didn't call

Sunday, July 30, 2006By Ron Cook, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

This is how badly Santonio Holmes' welcome-to-Steelers-training-camp news conference went yesterday:
The kid essentially called Ben Roethlisberger a liar and it wasn't the worst part of the session.
The worst part was that Holmes showed absolutely no remorse for his two arrests in a three-week period late in the spring.
"I don't think I have anything to prove to anybody," he said, almost defiantly, his first public comments since the arrests. "People know what I can do on the field and they know the type of person I am off the field."
Actually, we don't.
We know Holmes was a special player at Ohio State. That's why the Steelers made him their No. 1 draft choice in April and signed him to a five-year, $8.11 million contract Friday, including a $5.42 million bonus. It's also why he could comfortably wear a red Buckeye Football T-shirt around the St. Vincent College campus yesterday with "Da Man" on the back.
But we don't know Holmes as a person. All we know is he was arrested on Memorial Day weekend in Miami on a disorderly conduct charge and again June 18 in Columbus, Ohio, on a domestic-abuse charge.
That's why it would have been nice if Holmes had pulled a Floyd Landis yesterday and asked us to wait to judge him until all the facts of his incidents are out. Remember, he hasn't been convicted of anything yet. It also would have been nice if he had said something like, maybe, "This isn't the way I wanted to start my career in Pittsburgh, but if you give me a chance, I'll prove to you the type of character I have."
But Holmes didn't do that.
He didn't even come close.
"I haven't gotten any negative feedback from one person since I've been in town the past month-and-a-half," Holmes said, leaving the impression he thinks it's perfectly normal for a guy to get arrested twice.
The whole scene was bizarre.
That's the only word to describe Holmes' response to a question about why he didn't return Roethlisberger's telephone calls after Big Ben reached out to him to show his support after his second arrest. "I called him a bunch of times and left a bunch of messages for him, and he never called me back, so I don't know how to take it," Roethlisberger told the Post-Gazette's Paul Zeise earlier this month. "The ball is in his court ..."
Responded Holmes: "I didn't get any calls from him."
Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
That Holmes and Roethlisberger really do need to talk?
Maybe there's a logical explanation there. Maybe Roethlisberger had the wrong number for Holmes. Or maybe Holmes had a bad cell phone day and never got the messages.
Maybe.
But, no matter the circumstances, Holmes' answer made Roethlisberger look bad. Call me crazy, but I just don't see the wisdom in a rookie wide receiver making his quarterback look bad. Holmes' timing seemed especially jarring because, just two hours earlier, Roethlisberger had stood on the practice field after the team's grueling conditioning run and gushed about how glad he was that Holmes made it to camp on time without contract problems and how eager he was to work with him.
It's unclear when Holmes and Roethlisberger will chat, but Bill Cowher had a sit-down planned with Holmes last night. Wouldn't you have loved to be a fly on the wall during that conversation? Presumably, Cowher made clear his displeasure with the negative attention Holmes brought the Steelers and gave him a little unsolicited advice about the responsibility that goes with being a professional athlete. For Holmes' sake, here's hoping he showed a little more humility with the boss.
Hey, it's tough to be too hard on the kid. Holmes is 22 and, as he put it, "a young guy stepping into a great deal of things ahead of me." It's also understandable why he was on the defensive when he met the local media for the first time under these circumstances. There weren't the usual queries that a No. 1 pick gets about how it feels to suddenly be a multi-millionaire or how soon he expects to contribute to the team. Virtually the first question for Holmes was about the possibility of him having to miss camp time because of an Aug. 15 court date in Columbus on the domestic-abuse charge. He shrugged it off and indicated he plans on being on the practice field on Aug. 15.
"All of that is behind me," Holmes said. "As far as I know from talking to my attorneys, there's nothing more that I have to do."
That was the good news to come out of the session.
The only good news, unfortunately.
Young, immature and nervous or not, it's still hard to get by Holmes' complete lack of contrition.
That's why you'll have to forgive me if I'm not willing to share in his joy when he said, "It feels good to be a Steeler."
At this point, I'm not ready to say I'm happy that Holmes is a Steeler.
And the two arrests are only a part of it.

(Ron Cook can be reached at rcook@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1525. )

Monday, July 24, 2006

Has Anyone Seen Dave P?

There is a rumor going around that he is in the witness protection program. Does anyone see the similarity?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO9XknbkN5E&search=steelers

Speaking Of Old School...

Check out Mean Joe Greene from the days of our youth...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IBSKVtl1tM&search=steelers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhidDOCFP8M&search=steelers

Old School...Jack Lambert Style!

Click this link to see a tribute video for good ole #58:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhVA5yPB74A&search=steelers

It's All About The Fans!

Check out this great new video I just found:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcsAc_dow7M&search=steelers

Super Bowl changed Steelers' lives

It's not as if the Steelers toiled in anonymity before winning Super Bowl XL.
It's just that winning it in front of some 90 million television viewers rocketed them toward another dimension of celebrity - the kind where a simple trek to the local Uni-Mart practically requires a police escort.
The phenomenon is easy to explain. As cornerback Bryant McFadden put it, "What individual doesn't watch the Super Bowl?"
Within hours of the Feb. 5 victory, lives began to change. By the end of spring, soft-spoken tight end Heath Miller had his own candy bar, and several offensive linemen starred in a Campbell's Chunky Soup Commercial. Star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger - before his horrific motorcycle accident - conquered Switzerland, while Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward was becoming a national hero.

In South Korea.
Three starters parlayed the Super Bowl victory into surprisingly lucrative free-agent deals. Others used their playoff winnings ($37,000 per man for the AFC title game; $73,000 per man for the Super Bowl) on automobiles or houses, and massive right tackle Max Starks got the key to Disney World upon his return from touring military bases in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf.
The team was invited to a joyous White House celebration. Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt interviewed for the head coaching job with the Oakland Raiders, and Jerome Bettis took a high-profile analyst job at NBC.
Everybody's profile got a nice booster shot. That's what winning a Super Bowl will do.
"You're looked at it in a whole different light," said wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, who scored a stunning, $31 million contract with the Washington Redskins. "You had great character, great personality before. Now, you have a ring, and it's like people really look at you. I'd like to get a couple more."
With players set to report to training camp Friday in Latrobe, here's a look at the aftermath of winning the Super Bowl, through the eyes of several members of the Steelers organization:
L.A. Story
A Super Bowl title can ruin an offensive lineman's anonymity. Left tackle Marvel Smith doesn't mind. Folks began to notice him more in Los Angeles, where he makes his offseason home.
"In Pittsburgh, a lot of people recognize me when I go out, but I wasn't expecting that in L.A.," Smith said. "I'd go out and people were like, 'Marvel!' I mean, there's quote-unquote superstars all over Los Angeles. You don't expect people to recognize you. That was the one thing that surprised me and made me realize a lot of people watched the Super Bowl."
Not that Smith has totally escaped the anonymous life of a lineman. Asked if the Super Bowl led to any endorsement opportunities, he said, "Nope. That's still the same. Offensive linemen, nobody really wants to watch us."
This was before Roethlisberger and four of his linemen - Smith wasn't available - were asked to star in a Chunky Soup commercial. The linemen became the featured performers when Roethlisberger was unable to participate while recovering from his accident.
Said Smith: "If I find somebody to shoot my commercial, I'll do it. I think I'm the best-looking offensive lineman we got."
Mickey Mouse
Offensive tackle Max Starks got the key to his hometown of Orlando, Fla.
And, yes, it's an actual key.
"It's something I could physically show you," Starks said. "That was a pretty big thing to get that. You get the key to Disney World, Universal Studios. It's awesome."
The 6-foot-8, 337-pound Starks won't take advantage of his new privileges.
"I don't think they'd be too happy," Starks said, "but I could definitely hit up Cinderella's castle and hang out for a little while."
Home, sweet home
The Steelers might not have gotten as far as the AFC Championship Game if rookie cornerback Bryant McFadden hadn't broken up a late pass to the end zone against Indianapolis.
Two more games, including the Super Bowl victory, meant an extra $110,000 for McFadden. That was equal to nearly half his base salary of $230,000 and enabled him to put down a nice chunk of change on a house in South Florida. He's from Hollywood, Fla.
"Buying a home is a big achievement for a young individual," said McFadden, who turns 25 this season.
Hot Wheels
Rookie guard Chris Kemoeatu parlayed the extra Super Bowl cash into a car for his sister and a Chevy SS for himself.
Kemoeatu returned home to Hawaii for a few weeks to spend time with his family, and they all wanted one thing.
"Everybody was asking to see the ring," he said.
Movin' on up
Before his accident, Roethlisberger spoke of the changes he'd experienced since Super Bowl XL, when he became the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl.
"It gives you more confidence, obviously, naturally, knowing that you've done something that even some of the greats have never done, something that people work for their whole lives," he said. "I've reached a couple goals that I set out for my life; I've reached them already. I had to go back and cross out some of those goals and make them a little loftier."
Can't take it away
Backup nose tackle Chris Hoke knows he'll never be looked at quite the same.
"You got that Super Bowl ring, you're a Super Bowl champion the rest of your life," Hoke said. "I don't know if it changed how I live my life day to day, but for the rest of my life, being a Super Bowl champion will be attached to Chris Hoke. It's a little humbling. Like coach (Bill Cowher) said the other day, 'Only 17 franchises have won that Super Bowl.'
"It's a big accomplishment, but with coach Cowher being our coach, there's no way our mindset is ever going to change. We're going to be out in Latrobe working hard in the heat, being physical and having a lot of contact. Nothing's going to change."
Did Hoke buy anything with his spoils?
"Oh, no, but I'm a big saver, though," he said. "I'm saving for a rainy day."
Star search
Willie Parker went from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl hero in a matter of two years. Parker had the longest run (75 yards) in Super Bowl history, so when people ask for his autograph, they want him to add something like, "Longest run in Super Bowl history."
"I've signed so many '75-yard' autographs, my hand's about to fall off," Parker said.
Did the price for his signature - and his appearances -- go up?
"Yeah," Parker said, smiling, "all that went up."
Winners' circle
Winning Super Bowls is old hat to offensive line coach Russ Grimm, who played on some great Washington Redskins teams.
Grimm believes that winning breeds winning.
"I think any time you win a championship at any level, the confidence of the players goes up, just knowing you've been there, you know what it takes to get there, you know what's expected," he said. "I know the first time it was kinda like, 'We gotta win this game, we gotta win this game.' You keep winning, you keep winning and then you win the big one."
Speaker of the house
Life got a lot busier for guard Kendall Simmons.
"That's really the thing that's changed," said Simmons. "You're speaking to a lot more groups. It's just constant, constant movement all the time because everybody wants to see you and talk to you, hoping you got your ring with you and all that kind of stuff. The spotlight is on right now."
Simmons said the demand for him to come speak to groups is picking up, and he believes that will continue as the season opener gets closer.
"Everybody wants to know your experience and what happened in the game," he said. "It's a good thing to share with folks because you want everyone to somewhat relive your experiences -- to a certain degree."
Nice ring
Backup quarterback Charlie Batch said winning the Super Bowl hasn't changed a thing in his life.
"Nothing, not at all," the Homestead native said.
C'mon Charlie, something had to happen. Better seats at the movie theater? Shorter waits in lines at Kennywood?
"Nope," he said. "People around here are used to seeing me. They figure, 'Hey, it's still Charlie.' "
But what about that Super Bowl ring - that big, diamond-studded showpiece?
Finally, Batch relented.
"Everybody wants to see the ring," he said. "That's probably the biggest difference. I try to carry it around with me, even though I'm not really wearing it, just so people can see it."
Asked if he carried the large piece of jewelry in his pocket, Batch smiled.
"Not there," he said. "I won't say where I keep it."
According to Batch, the reason life has been relatively normal in Steeler Nation - at least where he lives - is because the phenomenon had little room to grow.
"We've always been a big deal around here," Batch said. "The Super Bowl was great for everybody, but the fans have always cared about the Steelers."
Big Money
Ultra-quiet tight end Heath Miller wouldn't seem like a logical candidate to have a candy bar named after him, but, sure enough, food marketer PLB Sports Inc. of Robinson Township produced the 2.8-ounce "Heath's Big Money Bar," made from milk chocolate, toffee and crisped rice.
"It's pretty neat," Miller said.
On the line
Veteran guard Alan Faneca spent a lot more time on the phone than usual in the first few weeks after the big win.
"Lots of messages," he said. "Everybody was excited and just wanted to say hey and congratulations. It took several weeks to get back to everybody, and when I got back home everybody wanted to talk about it and hear about the experience first-hand."
Faneca had grown sick of seeing other teams glorified during the offseason, whether it be in Sports Illustrated ads or elsewhere.
"I'm used to seeing the Patriots (all over the television) and I'm ticked off, and now people have to watch us," Faneca said. "That brings a smile to my face.
Several months without football haven't dampened fans' enthusiasm and desire to talk about the game.
"People still ask about it," Faneca said. "People you don't know still want to come up and say things and that's fine. It happened and it's a real thing, so it's fine. It's good to talk about it. It's good to relive it as long as you keep it in the proper place."
On a mission
Troy Polamalu, the Steelers' spectacular strong safety, didn't feel an extra sense of elation or emptiness in the aftermath of Super XL. He felt pretty much the same as always.
"Some people need a ring or a Super Bowl or a Pro Bowl to validate themselves," he said. "Obviously, from what you know about me, that's not the person I am."
Polamalu likes to win as much as the next guy, but ...
"My goal is not based on football," he said. "It's spirituality. It's life. You don't separate football from anywhere else in your life. Football's not my mission. The Super Bowl's not my mission. I think football does a great job in teaching people lessons about growing, just like any other occupation. My mission is life."
Patience rewarded
Backup defensive lineman Travis Kirschke waited nine years to win a Super Bowl.
"You start getting later in your career, you start wondering if it's ever going to happen," Kirschke said. "You look at most of the people in the league and they never even get a chance to get close to it. For me to be in the championship game last year and be able to be in the Super Bowl this year, it's just a true blessing to be a part of something like that."
Kirschke didn't go on any extravagant spending spree.
"I think the ring was enough," he said. "I have a tape of the game, I have my ring, and it was an honor to go to the White House. That was good enough for me."
Turning heads
Antwaan Randle El, who caught one touchdown pass during the regular season, turned his versatility into a $31 million contract with the Redskins.
Winning the Super Bowl might have saved him some money, too.
"It helps you out when you get pulled over," he said, laughing. "No, don't tell anybody that!"
-- Staff writers Mike Prisuta, Karen Price and Joe Bendel contributed to this story.
Joe Starkey can be reached at jstarkey@tribweb.com

Bon Jovi Rocks Steelers Victory Celebration!







Sunday, July 23, 2006

Training Camp 2006 Roster


This was taken from this morning's Trib.

Quarterback
Ben Roethlisberger: 6-5, 241Super Bowl champ, 27-4 as a starter. What's next?
Charlie Batch: 6-2, 216Reliable veteran was 2-0 as starter in '05
Omar Jacobs: 6-4, 224Rookie is no Tommy Maddox. Good thing, too.
Shane Boyd: 6-1, 232Good scrambler; tore up NFL Europe on ground.
Tailback
Willie Parker: 5-10, 209One-year wonder or go-to guy? We suspect the latter.
Duce Staley: 5-11, 242Could be great complement to Parker if - big word - healthy.
Verron Haynes: 5-10, 222Coaches love him; can he be more than a third-down back?
Cedric Humes: 6-1, 233Seventh-round draft pick was solid at Va. Tech, but fumbled.
Mike Jemison: 5-11, 216Former Pitt recruit finished career at IUP. Long, longshot.
Fullback
Dan Kreider: 5-11, 255Pulling guard in fullback's clothing. Devastating blocker.
John Kuhn: 6-0, 255Practice squad member in '05, played at Shippensburg.
Doug Easlick: 5-11, 243Played three games for Miami Dolphins in '04.
Branden Joe: 6-0, 242Former Ohio State player can only hope for practice squad.
Wide receiver
Hines Ward: 6-0, 205Super Bowl MVP is the "leader of the wideouts."
Cedrick Wilson: 5-10, 183Can Cedrick be an entertainer in Antwaan Randle El's spot?
Santonio Holmes: 5-11, 189First-round pick from OSU might be the real deal.
Quincy Morgan: 6-1, 215If leg injury is not healed, his time could be up.
Nate Washington: 6-1, 185Starred in minicamp; what can he do at majorcamp?
Willie Reid: 5-10, 186Returner in Randle El mode; can also catch the ball.
Sean Morey: 5-11, 200Special teams demon is on the bubble yet again.
Lee Mays: 6-2, 193Well thought of, but numbers game works against him.
Eugene Baker: 6-1, 167Hasn't caught a pass since rookie year - in 1999.
Walter Young: 6-4, 220Big receiver who hasn't caught on.
Isaac West: 6-0, 187Sprint champ at Furman had 1,000 rec. yds as senior.
Adam Herzing: 6-3, 190You probably don't know him from Adam, nor will you.
Tight end
Heath Miller: 6-5, 257Write it down. He goes to the Pro Bowl in '06.
Jerame Tuman: 6-4, 253More dependable than the U.S. Post Office.
Charles Davis: 6-6, 260That would be "Sir Charles" to you. Former Purdue star could make it.
Isaac Smolko: 6-5, 257That would be "Sir Isaac" to you. Maybe not.
Jon Dekker: 6-5, 250Former Princeton star might need more grooming.
Offensive Tackle
Marvel Smith: 6-5, 321Steelers went 1-2 without the LT last season. Coincidence?
Max Starks: 6-8, 337Three-year vet is still learning RT spot.
Trai Essex: 6-4, 324Versatile enough to backup both tackles. Started 3 games in'05.
Barrett Brooks: 6-5, 32512 years ... and counting?
Willie Colon: 6-3, 315Fourth-round draft pick might end up at guard.
Ulish Booker: 6-6, 319Another season on the practice squad is likely.
Brandon Torrey: 6-6, 277No relation to Joe Torre.
Nick Hagemann: 6-7, 295South Dakota grad will fight for practice squad.
Offensive guard
Alan Faneca: 6-5, 307Future Hall of Famer enters ninth season.
Kendall Simmons: 6-3, 315Up-and-down in '05. Will have many more ups in '06.
Chris Kemoeatu: 6-3, 344Second-year powerhouse will push for playing time.
Grayling Love: 6-3, 296Played center and tackle at ASU, Smith's alma mater.
Center
Jeff Hartings: 6-3, 295Restructured salary after making Pro Bowl. Leader.
Chukky Okobi: 6-1, 305Possible center of the future, signed through '09.
Marvin Philip: 6-1, 307Sixth-round pick was first-team AP All-American
Tim Brown: 6-5, 313Signed to practice squad last October.
Brandon Newton: 6-2, 296Hofstra grad will meet the Turk.
Defensive line
Casey Hampton: 6-1, 325Known as "Big Snack," he devours NFL centers
Aaron Smith: 6-5, 298Unsung member of the Steelers defense.
Brett Keisel: 6-5, 285Making big money to replace Kimo von Oelhoffen.
Chris Hoke: 6-2, 305Proved his worth when Hampton was hurt in '04.
Travis Kirschke: 6-3, 298Provides needed depth now that Keisel is the starter.
Shaun Nua: 6-5, 280Versatile athlete could make a splash soon.
Rodney Bailey: 6-3, 305Journeyman might struggle to make squad.
Orien Harris: 6-3, 302Fourth-round pick will make team, but at who's expense?
Scott Paxson: 6-4, 292Led nation with five blocked kicks in '04.
Lee Vickers 6-6, 270No Lee-way for the former North Alabama player.
Linebacker
Joey Porter: 6-3, 250Offseason knee surgery should not slow him down.
Clark Haggans: 6-4, 243He and Porter form a devastating duo at OLB.
Larry Foote: 6-1, 239Put best Foote forward in '05, leading team with 123 stops.
James Farrior: 6-2, 243Ready for another Pro Bowl season in '06.
James Harrison: 6-3, 241What ever happened to that Browns fan he slammed?
Clint Kriewaldt: 6-1, 248Reliable, dependable, steady .. You get the point.
Andre Frazier: 6-5, 234On the depth chart - Up goes Frazier ... Up goes Frazier.
Rian Wallace: 6-3, 243Second-year player will make his name on special teams.
Arnold Harrison: 6-3, 241Former Georgia star made strides as a rookie in '05.
Ronald Stanley: 6-0, 244Practice squad in '05 ... Practice squad in '06?
Mike Kudla: 6-3, 265OSU rookie benched 225 44 times; 11.5 sacks as senior.
Richard Seigler: 6-2, 238No dice for Vegas native? Practice squad in'05.
Matt Farrior: 6-1, 230Younger brother of James.
Malcolm Postell: 6-1, 231Versatile, but numbers are not on Pitt alum's side.
Cornerbacks
Ike Taylor: 6-1, 191Mel Blount's team-record 11 picks are in jeopardy.
Deshea Townsend: 5-10, 191Stiff-armed the Patriots to return to Steelers.
Bryant McFadden: 6-0, 190Second-year man is ready to be a starter.
Ricardo Colclough: 5-11, 195Make or break year for three-year vet.
Chidi Iwouma: 5-9, 184Special teams star might be a casualty due to numbers game.
Anthony Madison: 5-9, 180Alabama star could be rookie surprise at camp.
Safety
Troy Polamalu: 5-10, 207Best SS in the business ... and getting better.
Ryan Clark: 5-11, 205Offseason acquisition takes over for Chris Hope. Maybe.
Tyrone Carter: 5-8, 195The vet is not out of the running for Hope's spot.
Mike Logan: 6-1, 211Dependable talent, though health is a concern.
Anthony Smith: 5-11, 192Third-round pick is a play-maker.
Mike Lorello: 5-11, 208The bigger the game, the better the WVU alum played in '05.
Zach Baker: 6-2, 212Rookie from East Carolina is big, but not ready.
Jamar Landrom: 6-3, 215Rookie from Tennessee State is big, but not ready.
Kicker
Jeff Reed: 5-11, 22524 of 29 on FGs in '05 and was 18 of 18 inside the 40.
Mark Brubaker: 6-0, 189Rookie from East Stroudsburg can't unseat Reed.
Punter
Chris Gardocki: 6-1, 19216-year vet was strong late in the season
Mike Barr: 6-2, 230Gardocki is the punter, Barr none.
Long snapper
Greg Warren: 6-3, 252His name was barely mentioned in '05; that's a good thing.
Kyle Andrews: 5-11, 254His name won't be mentioned in '06 in Pittsburgh; bad thing.

What Gives With This Guy?

Santonio Holmes: Not Off to a Good Start
RotoWire.com Staff - RotoWire.comFriday, July 14, 2006
Update: In addition to being arrested twice since being drafted No. 1 by the Steelers in April, Holmes hasn't returned any of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's multiple phone messages, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Recommendation: Roethlisberger realizes that he and Holmes need to get need on the same page as soon as possible. Veteran Jerome Bettis took Roethlisberger under his wing when he was a rookie, and the Steelers QB wants to do the same with Holmes. "I've reached out to Santonio, kind of like [Jerome Bettis] did to me," Roethlisberger said. "I gave him my numbers, told him to call me, and when he got into trouble, I called him a bunch of time and left a bunch of messages for him, and he has never called me back, so I don't know how to take it. If he wants me to help him and wants me to take him under my wing, I'll do that, but it is his call, now, not mine. The ball is in his court, so to speak, but I think he'll be OK and, hopefully, he'll get to camp and get his head screwed on straight." It would be hard to envision Holmes getting off to a worse start to his professional career.
Updated on Friday, Jul 14, 2006 9:37 pm EDT

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Who Is Malory Schell?



I attempted to go online and find out who Malory Schell is. No luck as of yet. I would assume she is either a model or a girlfriend of one of the band members. If anyone has any luck finding a better picture or additional information, I am curious what she looks like. I am excited for the video. It looks as if it will be cool!

Big Ben Shoots Music Video!







Big Ben got together with local country band, the Poverty Neck Hillbillies, and shot a music video this week at Heinz Field. My brother, Todd Hetrick from Oakland, MD, sent these great pics he found online from the filming process. Click the below link to read the Post Gazettes take on the story:

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/06199/706677-66.stm

Who Are The Poverty Neck Hillbillies (PNB) ?








Just who are the Poverty Neck Hillbillies? The answer would be a Country band with Western PA roots. Yes, that is right. The above pics were all taken during the Steelers Pep Rally leading up to the Super Bowl. Check out their attire! Any questions as to their favorite football team is? The Stillers! Earlier this Spring they had contacted Big Ben and asked if he would appear in an upcoming music video. This past week The PNB and Big Ben shot the video at Heinz Field. Here is a link to their website:

http://thepovertyneckhillbillies.com/index.php

This Is The Summer Of The Steelers!








I was just looking around and found some great new pics from the Super Bowl which I have not seen before. I found them on the Trib's site. Who cares if they are five months old, this is after all, the summer of the Steelers!

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Are You Ready For Some Fantasy Football?

A couple of us from the Steelers Nation will be having a fantasy football league this fall. We are looking for around ten people altogether. As of right now we have six definite people and are searching for a couple more. We are planning on having a draft party in the middle of August on a Saturday afternoon. If you are interested, drop me an e-mail or give me a call.

Big Ben Rejects JD's Public Saftey Campaign!

This article appears in today's Pittsburgh Trib.

Roethlisberger says he won't do helmet-safety ads


By The Associated PressSunday, July 16, 2006
PITTSBURGH - Ben Roethlisberger doesn't plan on doing public safety announcements for motorcycle or helmet safety following his accident last month.
"I don't think that's my place," the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback said in a taped interview aired Friday on ABC's "Good Morning America."
"Some people feel that, you know, I probably should be doing that and being a big advocate for that," Roethlisberger said from Los Angeles. "But for me, I'm going to let people make their own decisions ... So I don't think you'll see me doing any kind of billboards or advertisements."
Roethlisberger had been in Los Angeles for the taping of the ESPY Awards. On Friday, he was slated to play in the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Nevada.


Roethlisberger had seven hours of facial reconstruction surgery June 12 after ramming his motorcycle into a car that turned left in front of him on a Pittsburgh street.
Roethlisberger broke his jaw and nose when his head smashed into the car's windshield and he was thrown over the car onto the pavement. He was cited for riding without a license and not wearing a helmet.
Paramedics held a news conference in Pittsburgh on Friday. Roethlisberger had praised paramedics and doctors for their treatment.
Daniel Capatolla, the first paramedic at the scene, said he recognized the Steelers quarterback instantly, even though initial accident reports gave no indication of his identity.
"Motorcycle accident, man lying in the street — that's all we got," Capatolla said.
Capatolla and other paramedics declined to discuss details of Roethlisberger's injuries and treatment, citing medical privacy laws. But Capatolla confirmed comments by Roethlisberger, who asked paramedics whether the accident was a dream.
"I assured him it wasn't," said Capatolla, adding he was glad to hear Roethlisberger talking.
Roethlisberger told "Good Morning America" that he wears his helmet sometimes, but forgot it on the day of the accident.
"I had just gotten my bike all custom done. It was painted up and it was really nice," he said. "I was supposed to take my helmet that day with me to get painted to match my bike so I could wear it all the time when I rode that bike and I totally forgot it."
Roethlisberger said he also forgot how his life is scrutinized by the public.
"I forgot that I have to live this life under the microscope and that people are always watching and criticizing everything that I do," he said. "I'm coming off two pretty good seasons in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl and 24 years old, and maybe this is God's way of saying, 'Hey, I can take it away from you at anytime so you better back off a little bit.'"
In the past two seasons, Roethlisberger helped the Steelers achieve a 27-4 record.
Roethlisberger said he has started working out and is now looking forward to training camp later this month.
"Now that I feel healthy and know that I am going to be OK, my only focus is football," he said. "So I've not even started to think about riding a motorcycle again. ... Once this season's over, maybe I'll start thinking whether I'll start riding again."

Is Anyone Interested In Going To Training Camp Together?

Brian Koch and I went to training camp together last year and have briefly discussed going again this year. Our tentative date would be Saturday, August 5th. It is a 12:15 practice at St. Vincent's. It should run around two hours altogether. E-mail or call me if you are interested in going. For those of you who have never been to a training camp session, they are hot, somewhat boring, and a very dull. You have virtually no chance of getting autographs, and they keep the players roped off from you. BUT, this is the closest shot you have at seeing the players up close and personal. If you go to a game, you can not get this close. Plus you have the opportunity in showing your gratitude for winning the Steeler Nation a fifth and very coveted ring.

Training Camp 2006 Info

Steelers 2006 Training Camp Information

Daily updates regarding the Steelers practice schedule will be available on this page. Please be sure to check the schedule on a regular basis for any changes.
Please keep in mind that there might be changes to the practice schedule or cancellation of practice because of weather conditions. Unfortunately sometimes those changes occur shortly before practice is scheduled to take place and we are unable to announce the change.

Latrobe, PA Weather Updates
2006 Steelers Training Camp Practice Schedule
2006 Steelers Experience Camp Schedule

The Steelers host training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. Steelers players report on Friday, July 28 and the first open practice is Sunday, July 30. The final practice open to the public is on Wednesday, August 23 and the team breaks camp the morning of Thursday, August 24.
There is no admission charge for practices at St. Vincent College. For practices at high school fields there is a small admission fee.

Directions to St. Vincent College - Training Camp SiteFrom Pittsburgh, follow I-376 East to Monroeville. Proceed approximately 12-13 miles to the Pennsylvania Turnpike entrance and enter the Turnpike traveling east.
Take Irwin Exit 67 (the first exit - old exit 7) and merge onto Route 30 East. Continue on Route 30 for approximately 18 miles.
As you travel down a long hill just before the Latrobe Airport*, you will see a sign on the right for St. Vincent College. Turn left opposite the sign at the traffic light onto St. Vincent Drive. This road leads to the Saint Vincent campus. A free parking lot is available to the right just after the practice fields.
* - If you get to the traffic light with the airport on your immediate right, you have gone too far. Make a left "U" turn at the light and follow Route 30 West for approximately one mile to the St. Vincent entrance on your right.

From Harrisburg, Philadelphia, New Jersey and points east: Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76 West, to exit 91 (old exit 9) Donegal. Turn left onto PA Route 31 East, 1/4 mile to left turn at PA Route 711 North, 14 miles to left turn at U.S. Route 30 West, 10 miles to right turn at Saint Vincent Drive (at traffic signal), 1/2 mile to campus entrance. (provided by St. Vincent College)

From Erie, Buffalo and points north: Take Interstate 79 south to its junction with I-76, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, at gate 28 (old gate 3) Cranberry/Perry Highway. Take I-76 east to exit 67 (old exit 7) Irwin. Turn right onto U.S. Route 30 East, 17 miles to left turn at Saint Vincent Drive (at traffic signal), 1/2 mile to entrance. (provided by St. Vincent College)From Baltimore, Washington and points south: Take Interstate 70 west to its junction with I-76, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, at gate 161 (old gate 12) Breezewood, proceed on I-76 west to exit 91 (old exit 9) Donegal. Turn left onto PA Route 31 East, 1/4 mile to left turn at PA Route 711 North, 14 miles to left turn at U.S. Route 30 West, 10 miles to right turn at Saint Vincent Drive (at traffic signal), 1/2 mile to campus entrance. (provided by St. Vincent College)

For directions coming from other areas we recommend that you check an on-line map service for driving directions. The best route that we recommend is to remain on the PA Turnpike if you are able to and then take Route 30 from there.
Training Camp Fast Facts: Dates: Players report July 28. First open day of practice is Sunday, July 30. Last public day of open practice is August 23.Practice Time: Practices normally start about 3:00 p.m., weekend practice times vary. Please check the schedule for those times. Location: St. Vincent College is the home to Steelers. The campus opens at 1:30 p.m. for fans. When practices do not start at 3 p.m., campus opens an hour before the start of practice. Steelers Experience: The Steelers Experience normally runs from 2:00 pm to 6:00 when there is a 3:00 p.m. practice.The schedule varies based on practice time. Please note the experience is subject to close due to the weather.Restrictions: There is no videotaping of practice permitted. Video cameras should not be brought on campus. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on campus. Bags and coolers will be searched by security. No pets are permitted on campus. Steelers to host practice at local high schoolsThe Steelers will continue with their tradition of holding a practice at a local high school during training camp.

Directions to Latrobe Memorial High School Stadium – August 2 - 6:45 pm autographs, 7 pm practice

From Route 30 - Follow directions to Saint Vincent College and proceed east on Route 30 (past the St. Vincent College entrance). Take Route 981. At the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, make a left at the traffic light onto Route 981 North. Proceed through 2 traffic lights as you will cross a bridge over Loyalhanna creek. At the third traffic light, make a right onto Jefferson Street. Go straight through one stop sign and at the second stop sign, make a right onto Chestnut Street. Latrobe Memorial Stadium will be on your right on Chestnut Street.

From Route 22 - Take the Route 981 South exit from Route 22 East. Proceed approximately 8 miles until you come across the first traffic light. Make a right at light onto Latrobe/Derry Road. Proceed straight through 2 additional traffic lights. At the next traffic light, make a left onto Jefferson Street. Proceed straight through one traffic light and one stop sign. At the next stop sign, make a right onto Chestnut Street. Latrobe Memorial Stadium is on our right on Chestnut Street.Steelers Experience At Camp The Pittsburgh Steelers will operate their "UPMC Steelers Experience" at training camp again this year. The Experience will be open on days when the Steelers have an afternoon practice at St. Vincent College, where training camp takes place. The traveling Coca-Cola Great Hall also will be featured at training camp near the practice field. This trailer is the touring version of the Coca-Cola Great Hall which can be seen at the stadium on game days as well as other events at Heinz Field. Inside the Coca-Cola Great Hall trailer, fans of all ages can experience the storied history of the Steelers organization as well as an opportunity to broadcast a play by play call (You Make The Call) of a great moment in Steelers history. In addition, fans can try their luck on the prize wheel to win various team related merchandise.
Autographs: The best time to obtain autographs from the players is after practice and it's at the players discretion as to whether or not they sign on a particular day. There are areas designated for fans to stand to obtain the autographs. There is no formal setting for player autographs on a daily basis. There also will be an opportunity to obtain autographs before practice on August 2 at the practice at high school fields. There will be no autographs after the Aug. 2 practice. Please see information above for details. Throughout Training Camp the Steelers will have an autograph booth set up which will be open to fans 12 and under for approximately 10 to 15 minutes after most afternoon practices.

Where to stay: The following links will take you to websites for hotel accommodations in the training camp area.

LatrobeMountain View Inn

Email us:mailto:feedback@fans.steelers.com?subject=TrainingCamp
For football news from training camp please check the home page of Steelers.com. Be sure to check the archives in case you missed any recent news.

Steelers @ The ESPY's

Steelers win two ESPY Awards
Thursday, July 13, 2006
The Steelers collected more hardware for their victory in Super Bowl XL when they won two ESPY Awards.
The Steelers won the award for "Best Team" and head coach Bill Cowher won the "Best Coach Award."
The awards show was taped on Wednesday night at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood and will air on Sunday night on ESPN.
On hand for the show were Cowher, Jerome Bettis, Joey Porter, Hines Ward, Ike Taylor, Antwaan Randle El, Verron Haynes and a surprise guest – Ben Roethlisberger. Bettis introduced Roethlisberger, who received a standing ovation when he walked on stage. It was Roethlisberger's first public appearance since a motorcycle accident in June.
"It was important for Ben to be out there because he was a big part of our success," said Bettis. "But he's also a big part of our future. He is going to be leading this football team for a lot of years to come.
"I think everybody who watches will be so happy to see him, to see him speak and to see how good he is feeling and just knowing he is not limping or anything like I that, I think everybody will be happy."
Roethlisberger briefly addressed the audience and spoke about how lucky he was in regards to the accident. He did not speak after the event.
"He is a very fortunate and lucky young man, and he's the first -- as he said tonight -- to acknowledge that," said Cowher. "Sometimes, you just have to learn, and the good news is he is back. Those things all have a way of putting things back in their proper perspective.
"I think people need to understand -- nobody needs to say anything to Ben, he understands and he knows what he needs to do. At the same token, I told him, he is a good person and he is a free-spirited kid and he plays the football game that way and I don't want that to change. There is a fine line with the way you have to live your life, but sometimes we have to learn lessons the hard way. Those are the best lessons we can learn in life sometimes.

"The bottom line is, he is very fortunate and now he'll be a great mentor for others. Anyone who is a parent understands that sometimes kids are free-spirited and they are young and those aren't always bad qualities, particularly on the football field."

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Steelers Pride Contest Entry # 2


Aunt Anita shows Brock Bowman how to celebrate his first Fourth of July in Baltimore. Terrible Towel Style! Brock is the son of "Ravens" fans Brent & Carissa Bowman.

Steelers Pride Contest Entry # 1


Brooke Podlaszewski celebrates her first birthday with her "big papi" Dave in "Stillers-style"! Brooke is the daughter of Dave and Amy Podlaszewski of Salisbury, MD.