As we continue to hear through media sites that more and more players are being suspended, or checking into rehab, or using their NFL platform for any number of political statements, many of our beloved Steelers’ players use their NFL status as a platform to give back to causes that are near-and-dear to their heart.

For them, being a member of the NFL, and the Steelers, is personal.

One of those using their celebrity status for good is future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

“My Dad instilled in me a love and respect for animals. This is a good way to combine that passion with a desire to support the police and fire departments, which deserve all the appropriate resources needed to protect our cities and neighborhoods, and allow these brave men and women to arrive home safely.” — Ben Roethlisberger

Roethlisberger established his foundation in 2006, after a police dog was shot and killed in his hometown of Findlay, Ohio. His foundation, The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, supports police K-9 units across the country.

“[The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation] seeks to support police and fire departments throughout the U.S. with a particular emphasis on support for K-9 units and service dogs.”

According to his official website, the foundation will be distributing grants in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game during the 2016 NFL season — Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Miami, Baltimore, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Buffalo, and Cincinnati areas.

So far, Roethlisberger’s foundation has distributed in excess of $1.5 million in 177 grants since 2007, and donated more than $170,000 to K-9 units around the country during the 2015 NFL season. The grants have funded the purchase of dogs, training of dogs and handlers, training and safety equipment, and as well as food, vet services and housing.

His foundation has already started distributing grants for the 2016 season. The most recent recipient of funds is the Arlington County (Va.) Police Department, a nearby community of our nation’s capitol, where the Steelers opened the season (against the Washington Redskins). The recipient will use the grant funds to purchase ballistic vests for their existing seven K-9s.

Arlington County Police Chief M. Jay Farr explains the importance of keeping their K-9s safe:

“Our K-9s are integral members of the Arlington County Police Department, both in the field and from a community outreach perspective. We are grateful to receive this grant so we can provide our K-9s with ballistic vests as an added layer of protection to keep them safe.”

For every touchdown pass he throws this season, Ben Roethlisberger will donate $1000 to his foundation, to support local K-9 units.

But you can also get involved.

How can I help?

You can help Big Ben help K-9s by pledging your own donations at PledgeIt.org. Your donations, no matter how big or small, help make a difference:

• $1 pledge per passing touchdown – You will provide a month’s supply of food for one K-9
• $2 pledge per passing touchdown – You will provide one K-9 visit to the vet
• $5 pledge per passing touchdown – You will provide a K-9 collar and harness
• $20 pledge per passing touchdown – You will build a K-9 kennel and run at a station
• $40 pledge per passing touchdown – You will provide a K-9 safety vest
• $100 pledge per passing touchdown – You will purchase a heat alarm for a K-9 vehicle

Steel City Underground pledges support

Members of the Steel City Underground team have collectively, and individually, pledged to donate to Big Ben’s Touchdowns for K-9’s.

Join alongside the folks at Steel City Underground as we try and make a difference in the Pittsburgh community!

Your generosity will make every touchdown pass even more exciting.

For more details

For more information about the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, please visit BigBen7.com/the-ben-roethlisberger-foundation/.

To pledge to Big Ben’s Touchdowns for K-9’s, please visit PledgeIt.org/big-ben