A Pittsburgh Draft Weekend With Big Ben & Max Starks! Ep 127

Big Ben & Willie Parker talk SB XL, Running faster than cars, Steelers brotherhood and more! Ep 126

Apr 21, 20261h 23mSummary

In this episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, Ben welcomes former Pittsburgh Steelers teammate and two-time Super Bowl champion Willie Parker to the basement. The conversation offers a nostalgic look back at their shared journey as rookies entering the league together. Parker opens up about his upbringing in North Carolina, sharing humorous anecdotes about his youth, including racing cars and neighborhood animals to develop his legendary speed. The discussion delves into the importance of athletic development, with Parker detailing how weight training and disciplined habits helped him evolve from a fast high school athlete into a professional running back. Beyond the physical aspects, the pair reflects on the mental challenges of early collegiate life, the pressure of balancing academics and athletics, and the significance of maturity in finding success. Parker shares heartfelt insights on overcoming homesickness and personal loss during his time at UNC, providing valuable advice for young athletes about making informed decisions when choosing a university. The episode captures the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two former teammates as they reminisce about their football careers, the evolution of their work ethics, and the wisdom gained through experience.

Big Ben talks NFL Draft, Coaching youth sports as a professional athlete and more! Ep 125

Apr 14, 202642 minSummary

In this episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, Ben and his co-host, Spence, embrace the slower pace of the NFL offseason by catching up on life, family, and their shared passion for youth sports. Since there is currently little football news to dissect, the duo takes a relaxed approach, reminiscing about the origins of the podcast’s name and their tradition of sampling unique beers—this week featuring an IPA from Flying Dog Brewery. A major portion of the discussion centers on Ben’s experiences as a parent navigating the world of youth athletics. He shares stories from his son Bodhi’s recent basketball tournament, where they faced intense competition and dramatic, down-to-the-wire finishes. Ben reflects on the delicate balance of supporting his children’s athletic development without becoming the dreaded overbearing sports parent. He discusses the importance of encouraging his kids to find their own drive, noting that his son specifically asked to be pushed harder in his training. Ultimately, the hosts highlight the joy of watching their children work toward their goals, learn life lessons through competition, and simply enjoy playing the games they love.

Big Ben breaks down Steelers free agency moves and more! Ep 123

Mar 17, 202646 minSummary

In episode 123 of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, the host celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a lighthearted discussion before diving into the latest news surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers' free agency moves. Roethlisberger highlights the excitement surrounding the team’s recent roster additions, specifically the acquisition of wide receiver Michael Pittman. He notes that pairing Pittman with DK Metcalf creates a formidable and physical receiving duo, which he believes will provide quarterback Aaron Rodgers with much-needed versatility and comfort in clutch situations. Beyond the new arrivals, the episode covers key departures, including the loss of Isaac and Kenny G, which leads Roethlisberger to speculate on the team's draft strategy. He strongly advocates for the Steelers to prioritize bolstering the offensive line with their early picks to maintain stability and depth. Throughout the show, Roethlisberger maintains his signature natural style, balancing serious football analysis with casual tangents about sports, personal updates, and even a fun, hypothetical segment on combining different sports to create a "regular" Olympics. The episode provides fans with an engaging look at the team's evolving roster as they head toward the upcoming draft.

Big Ben Talks NFLPA Report Cards, Combine, Mock Drafts and more! Ep 122

Mar 3, 202658 minSummary

In this episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, Ben and his co-host keep things casual as they navigate a lighter week in the NFL calendar. The conversation opens with a personal touch, celebrating Ben’s recent birthday, complete with a reflection on his family’s long-standing tradition of homemade chocolate cream pie and the thoughtful gestures from his children. The discussion soon shifts toward football-related topics as the duo looks ahead to the upcoming draft and the recent NFL Combine. They spend significant time unpacking the results of the recent NFLPA team report cards. Ben provides an insightful, first-hand perspective on these rankings, comparing his own experience playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers with the modern expectations of today’s players. He discusses the nuances of team facilities, the impact of sharing resources with collegiate programs, and how ownership styles can shape the overall culture of an organization. Balancing his role as a former player with his current perspective as a fan, Ben explores whether these public evaluations serve as a necessary catalyst for facility improvements or if they create unnecessary external pressure.

Big Ben talks 'I Can Only Imagine 2' premier, PBR in Pittsburgh and more! Ep 121

Feb 17, 202641 minSummary

In episode 121 of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, Ben and his co-host Spence navigate the quiet period of the football offseason, touching briefly on recent league news and the abundance of mock drafts circulating as the event approaches in Pittsburgh. Beyond the gridiron, the pair shares personal reflections on the challenges and joys of family travel, including the shifting dynamics of life with children as they grow older. The centerpiece of the conversation is the hosts' experience attending the premiere of the film I Can Only Imagine 2. Ben and Spence discuss the film’s powerful portrayal of the band MercyMe’s journey, specifically focusing on the creation of their hit song Even If. The discussion becomes deeply personal as both men reflect on the themes of parental fear, vulnerability, and the necessity of grace. Ben shares vulnerable insights regarding his own family’s medical journey, noting how the movie served as a cathartic reminder of God’s transformative power in their lives. The episode concludes with a heartfelt encouragement for listeners to view the film, highlighting its emotional depth and the importance of personal growth through faith.