As a Steelers fan, I have been quite disappointed in what has been been the story of our team for most of 2010. "Big Ben" has selfishly taken a spotlight that does not reflect the identity demanded of representatives of the organization. I’ve been a big proponent that it might be a better thing for us to move on without him. The team is bigger than any player.

The interesting issue is when the realization is made that a player is a person, too.

I’ve just spent time watching the segment of ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown about Ben Roethlisberger. Merril Hoge (respected former Steeler and voice for ESPN and NFL) has served as a mentor to Roethlisberger over the past several months. The video interview between the two men and the Hoge’s followup thoughts on the issue was pretty intriguing to me…

Ben told how he became a different person when the fame and success got to his head. He told how he refused to acknowledge the nudges from God; and had to have a brick hit him to shake his attention into place.

I am inspired by stories of redemption.

"I wouldn’t sit here and talk to you and believe in this guy if I hadn’t seen the action and the verbiage along with that action to take place." -Hoge

I have respected Hoge since his playing days and appreciate how he represents the Steelers. I’m encouraged by hope that he appears to have.

It is our hope that it won’t be the failure that defines Ben, but how he handles success again if he reaches it.

Here’s to the story being told well…