Steelers' Roethlisberger Opens Up, Talks Life Outside Football
PITTSBURGH -- Last year, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger survived a motorcycle accident, an emergency appendectomy and a lackluster season.
But this year, things are looking up for Big Ben. He had his college jersey retired, won a courage award and threw five touchdown passes in the first half of one game this season, tying a Steelers record. But along with the fame and celebrity status, things can get a little tough, even for a Super Bowl caliber quarterback.
"With the Internet now and YouTube and cell phones, you can't even be private at a private party because of where it might end up," said Roethlisberger. "It is almost annoying. You try to be respectful."
Most people, Roethlisberger said, would say it's a small price to pay after getting paid millions to play football, but he says it's not all about the money.
"I don't play football to make money," said Roethlisberger. "You play football because you love to do it. I think it is the key. People think we want to make the money. We do it because you love it."
Roethlisberger points to the Brett Favres and Vinny Testerverdes, who keep coming back for the love of the game. And he is puzzled that fans are fascinated with the most mundane details of his life.
"A lot of my friends say that people say to them, 'You know Ben?' And they ask, 'What does he eat?'" said Roethlisberger. "Once you get to know us, you can see that we are normal people. We just have an abnormal job."
Roethlisberger does allow fans a glimpse into parts of his life through his Web site though.
"The reason I like to keep my private life private is that is about all we have left," he said. "Even though I moved and not a lot of people know where I live now, 75 to 100 cars try to drive by my house a day."
On his web site, Roethlisberger has photos of his sister, Carlee, and his dogs: Rottweiler Zeus and Bernese Mountain dog Hercules.
"I am assuming it would be like two brothers," said Roethlisberger. "They are fighting in the back seat of the car, and Zeus pulls my other dog's tail. It is comical at times. Makes life at my house pretty enjoyable."
His fondness for dogs led his foundation to contribute grants to a number of K-9 units around the country.
Before football, Roethlisberger said he wanted to become an FBI agent.
"I wanted to be James Bond or something," he said. "Saw those movies, thought it would be fun to me. I have a lot of friends, both in my hometown and in Pittsburgh who are officers, so I try to show my support in any way possible."
And finally, Roethlisberger said he is adamant about wanting to spend his entire career in Pittsburgh.
"It is hard to find that nowadays," he said. "To find that or a player in general. I have always wanted to be associated with one team, and I love the team that I am on now, and I love the city."