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April 24, 2004

Steeltime

Steeltime

I miss Apache
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I remember that day like it was yesterday. Saturday, because the NFL had not yet ruined the fun of "draft day" parties to earn a few more dollars. Beautiful day in the San Fernando Valley where my family and I lived. Son was 12 years old and had a Little League game beginning at 10:00 a.m. PST. We returned home at about 12:30 p.m. after the game. I turned on ESPN to watch the draft, and watched the chyron on the bottom of the screen roll by, showing the first round picks. I saw the following:

11. Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger Univ. of Miami (OH)

I said, "Wow." I had not expected Roethlisberger to fall all the way to 11. Son asked, "Is that good?" I said, "Very good. Amazingly good."

Hard to believe his time with the Steelers is over.
 
Remember it well too. Excited we finally had a chance at a franchise QB. Boy that chance exceeded all expectations!
 
I was in the parking lot outside Heinz Field for the draft day festivities that included imbibing in copious amounts of alcohol. Vividly remember the announcement. It was like we had just won a Super Bowl.
 
I was in the East Club Lounge at Heinz Field when they announced the pick, the entire place lost it like we just won the Super Bowl, except one guy who stormed out all pissed and cussing.
 
Superman said:
I was in the parking lot outside Heinz Field for the draft day festivities that included imbibing in copious amounts of alcohol. Vividly remember the announcement. It was like we had just won a Super Bowl.
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2 Super Bowls. hell of a ride
 
Amazing ride with #7. Man, those years went fast. I wish we had one more year to see him behind a better OL and better OC. I believe Ben can still play at a high level if he had somewhat of a running game to play off.
 
mdk2 said:
Amazing ride with #7. Man, those years went fast. I wish we had one more year to see him behind a better OL and better OC. I believe Ben can still play at a high level if he had somewhat of a running game to play off.
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he can... if we give him the reins to the offense. kinda telling how we moved the ball when we went no-huddle.
 
I wonder if there’s any chance Ben would return this off-season. Most likely not. I think he knows the team is going nowhere with the HC.
 
I’ve told the story here before, of how fortunate I was on that draft day, so many years ago, but here it is again…

I was a young police officer assigned to Penn Station, just below MSG. As a junior officer at the time I worked weekends and was on duty that day. Being in the building, we generally had access to events upstairs. I took an assigned personal and went up to take a peek a few picks before the Steelers, with a friend/colleague, Jets fan. We were able to access just below, to the right of the stage the players came out to meet the commissioner. I got there just as the Browns drafted Winslow, and knew Roethlisberger was ours!!! When they made the call I was about 20 feet, below stage right, from Big Ben when he came out!!! It was incredible and my Jet fan buddy was like “you lucky ******!!!”

AWESOME memory right from the start of his career!!!
 
I remember that moment vividly! I couldn't believe Big Ben fell to 11...crazy excited. I felt that the loooong wait for another great QB was over and we were on our way...boy, were we ever.
 
Ol girl was reading up on him and Ashley and I didn't realize Ben was introduced to her by a Steeler fan (her brother at training camp). I bet that would be an interesting read how that came about.
 
I only remember Manning screwing the chargers.
I also remember who the hell is “Rosenburger”
 
Thanks for the memories, Big Ben!!!!!!! I only hope we get another franchise QB in my lifetime so I can see us win a couple more trophies! I've witnessed them all at the age of 52 and want to see a few more.
 
Hines57 said:
Try not to remember the L. SpinthenFumble. ugh
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Yeah it was painful memory. But another SB appearance doesn't hurt when it comes time for his HOF consideration.
 
I remember reading about the hushed up conflict between who Cowher wanted (some lineman) and Rooney wanting Ben. I may have the details mixed up, but I thought it was odd.

Glad he came our way.
 
Living in Florida, I was listening to a couple of U of Miami grads at work going on and on about Kellen Winslow Junior and how great he was and how high he should be drafted. When I mentioned a kid named Ben Roethlisberger from "the other Miami", they had never heard from him. But they both called me after he was drafted, because they knew I was a Steeler fan. "Hey that's the guy you were talking about". They certainly know him now. Also being a Miami University grad, it was disappointing to hear the commissioner say Ben Roethlisberger from University of Miami, Ohio. How about a little prep work? Like we Miami U alums like to say--"Miami was a University before Florida was a state." But I digress. Anyway, Ben, its been a great 18 year run. You'll be missed. Enjoy being a husband and father.
 
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Probably the best day of my adult life as a Steelers fan. I knew then and there that choosing him would result in more Super Bowls. Thanks for the memories, Ben.
 
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