Ben Roethlisberger talked to reporters today for the first time since getting knocked out of the Steelers' 27-24 loss to the Kansas Chiefs last Sunday.
Here is a transcript of what Roethlisberger, who expects to play Sunday in Baltimore, said.
Q: Has this been a typical week despite what you went through last Sunday?
A: “Yeah, it’s been a normal week. We’ve got a big game Sunday night.”
Q: Will you play Sunday?
A: “I’m planning on it.”
Q: What have doctors told you?
A: “I’ve taken a thousand tests and passed them all with flying colors.”
Q: Do you still have to take more tests?
A: “I hope not. I’ve taken so many. I don’t foresee that but every day we’re meeting and upgrading and checking with things so if they tell me they want to do another one I’ll just keep doing it.”
Q: Did you have a concussion?
A: “I’m not a medical guy so I don’t know. I can just tell the doctors what happened and what I felt. It’s their medical expertise to evaluate that.”
Q: Would you have gone back into the game had the offense gotten the ball back?
A: “I would have asked for it. Don’t know if I would have been allowed but I would have tried.”
Q: Is it frustrating dealing with a concussion?
A: “It’s part of the nature of the beast of playing this game. It’s a violent, physical contact sport and there’s a chance you’re going to get hit and dinged. You guys don’t talk about the bruises we have all over our body. If I showed you a bruise on my shoulder and a bruise on my shin, it wouldn’t get talked about as much. It’s a violent sport we play.”
Q: Aren’t violent and physical good descriptions of the rivalry with the Ravens?
A: “This has been a rivalry that’s been heated and well coached, well played since I’ve been here so it’s going to be no different on Sunday. ”
Q: Was the hit that knocked you out of the game a clean one?
A: “No question, it was not dirty at all.”
Q: Do you worry about the cumulative effects of all these hits?
A: “I’m not worried because we have the best doctors. If I can go out and pass thousands of these tests and show that I’m fine then I’m not worried about it.”
Q: Did you know something was wrong after you got hit?
A: “It just kind of felt like I got hit pretty hard and kind of said, 'Let me catch my breath real quick,' and by that time the trainers were out there so I didn’t get a chance to get up.”
Q: What are you thankful for?
A: “I’m thankful to be alive, to have friends and family and even thankful for you guys sometimes.”
November 28th, 2009 - 12:19 pm
First and foremost, Ben`s health is the only issue here. The Ravens game Sunday night is only a DAMN GAME. Yea, Steelers Nation, this is no typo. Of course we want to win this game, But, you have to put Ben`s health first. These concussion things are serious and, thankfully, are treated as such. We need Big Ben in the future, and if there is any concerns by the doctors of him playing Sunday, I want him to sit out. I`m kinda anxious to see what Dixon can do. Peace.
November 29th, 2009 - 2:07 pm
I'M GLAD BEN WILL BE SITTING OUT THIS GAME FOR HIS OWN SAFETY, BUT HAPPY TO SEE WHAT DICKSON CAN DO, BECAUSE HE WAS SUCH A GOOD Q-BACK IN COLLEGE.
THIS CAN BE HIS SHOT AS A STANDOUT NFL QUARTERBACK. GOOD LUCK TO HIM!
WHATS GOING ON WITH TYLER PALKO?
I MET HIM LAST YEAR AT THE PITT-OREGON SUN BOWL, AND SAID THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE BACK HERE (PITTSBURGH) WERE STILL PULLING FOR HIM.
HE ALSO IS A GREAT KID WITH A LOT OF POTENTIAL, BUT SOME HAS HAD SOME LOUSY LUCK IN THE NFL.
GOOD LUCK STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!
November 29th, 2009 - 6:22 pm
Health is our best defense to living well, being a disabled 49 year old female I have learned what an accident can do to your career, health, family and finance. If Ben has to set out then so be it. His health is his blessing. I am a Pittsburgh Steeler Fan and go against every man in my family to stand for my Steelers. Good Health to all the Steelers and Victory to my team. Go Guys, A faithful fan in Marion, Ohio.
November 30th, 2009 - 12:55 am
ANOTHER COACHING LOSS
November 30th, 2009 - 8:58 pm
this game exemplifies my consern for the lack of production from the run game, some games we are gonna have to rely on our running backs to play a more agressive type football game to be able to pull out wins from defeat. lastnight you can argue Mendenhall had 95 yards rushing but my flipside, he needed five quarters to get there, a run game just isn't about running all day long between the goal line but ofcoarse being able to score as well, avg. 5 yards a carry is great lets pat em on the shoulder pads and give em an " at a boy " award, but if you cant score what good is it. how many players get into Canton with those types awards, zero. ziltch. Iwould rather have Bettis and his 3.1 yard avg where he can score 2 times agame then a back with 5.0 yds avg, who can't score nothing from the 1. we need a running game and we need one bad. PLAYOFFS, are you kidding me, Playoffs!
December 1st, 2009 - 9:35 am
Well we saw what Dixon could do and he exceeded my expectations, however the outcome unfortunately is what I predicted. The game was decided on that 4th and 5 where Rice went in motion and Farrior went in motion as well. The difference was no one disturbed the rhythm of the play. That in essence was the ball game. We definitely need another solution at corner back. All QB's attack that position, perhaps there needs to be additional rotation there like last year. Ike is above average, the other cornerback spot is god awful at best, that's a fact. However on the bright side of playing I was encouraged by Ramon Foster, Dennis Dixon, and finally Rashard Mendenhall. And it was pleasing to observe the way the Steelers on offense supported Dennis with protection. Don't you just love Rashard's protection blocks. BTW: Ben will recover and unleash for the next five weeks and beyond performances that will be second to none, not a hope but a fact.
December 1st, 2009 - 1:41 pm
William Gay can't cover, can't catch and can't tackle!!