Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. (AP Photograph/Steven Senne)
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was a visitor at ManUp Pittsburgh's digital convention final month, throughout which he overtly and truthfully mentioned his religion in Christ. He talked about being raised in a Christian house, how he determined to comply with Jesus as an grownup, and the way he handled some private points throughout his 16-year NFL profession.
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“It's nice to be a Christian and to be an athlete,” he mentioned. “Go forward and be the most effective athlete you might be and see in case you could be a higher Christian. That's what I'm attempting to do now. I attempt to be a greater Christian than I’m an athlete and a soccer participant. I strive to do this each day and it begins right here (places hand on his Bible).”
Roethlisberger expanded on his religion journey Wednesday in an interview with former MLB all-star Matt Holliday and his spouse Leslee on their “Desk Forty” podcast (a part of the Sports activities Spectrum Podcast Community). The Hollidays mentioned Roethlisberger's childhood and rise to NFL stardom and requested what function his religion performed.
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Roethisberger's dad and mom divorced when he was younger, so he usually spent weekends away with one father or mother. His father, who performed soccer and baseball at Georgia Tech, was his hero and modeled the Christian life. When Ben was 8 years outdated, his mom died in a automotive accident. He remembers that it was clearly troublesome, however he recalled pondering confidently, “I'll see her in heaven quickly.”
When he left for school in Miami, Ohio, Roethlisberger mentioned he didn't lose his religion, however he didn't develop up both. This was additionally evident within the early years of his NFL profession.
“I went by way of a part in my life the place I wasn't rising. My school coach at all times mentioned, “You both get higher otherwise you worsen; you'll by no means be the identical.” So I'd should say if I wasn't bettering, I used to be taking place. I used to be not rising in my religion. These are the few issues I remorse and need I had achieved higher in school,” Roethlisberger instructed the Hollidays.
He additionally didn't keep in mind a lot of the Christian neighborhood when he first joined the Steelers in 2004. He quickly discovered a lot success — profitable Rookie of the Yr, a Professional Bowl choice and two Tremendous Bowls in his first 5 seasons — so he admits. that maybe his eyes weren’t open to any communion that is likely to be going down.
“However now we do Bible research on Friday mornings and there could possibly be 20 guys,” Roethlisberger mentioned. “There are such a lot of folks within the chapel the night time earlier than the sport … I don't assume you must be both a extremely good athlete or a extremely good Christian. You might be each.”
He mentioned the previous 10 years or so have been nice as a result of his household of 5 discovered a church household and he and his spouse, Ashley, are a part of a great little group.
“However there was a interval of three, 4 years in school after which three or 4 years within the execs the place I didn't develop up as a Christian, and I want I had as a result of I can solely think about the place my stroll could be now. ,” he mentioned. “However you must keep in mind these items, it's His plan and He knew what He was doing.”
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