Ben Roethlisberger is a big fan of those that protect him, a fact that extends well beyond his offensive line (even though he consistently shows love for them, too).
On Tuesday, Big Ben issued a message to police and fire agencies, reminding them to apply for a grant from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, which has distributed an excess of $1.5 million since 2007, according to Big Ben’s official website.
According to Roethlisberger’s website, his foundation “will be distributing grants in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers during the 2016 NFL season. Ben is inviting police and fire departments in these eight cities & surrounding communities to submit proposals detailing their needs. In addition, the Foundation will continue to make grants to several police and fire department K-9 units in the Pittsburgh area following Super Bowl LI.
“The mission of the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation is to support K-9 units of police and fire departments throughout the United States with a particular emphasis on support for service dogs in Pittsburgh, PA. Ben and his foundation also strive to support Make-A-Wish. His foundation distributed more than $170,000 in grants to K-9 units around the country during the 2015 NFL season, including $93,250.00 just in the Pittsburgh community alone.
“We’re very fortunate to be in the position that we are able to help these K-9 units,” Roethlisberger said. “The work that is performed by the dogs and their handlers as well as the bond that is formed is incredible. We’re just thrilled to do our small part.”
