See You In Canton!

I'm planning on taking a trip to Canton, Ohio, in five years. I've always wanted to go, and five years from now seems like just the right time. 
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Canton, Ohio, is the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and in five years Big Ben will be retired long enough to get in on a first ballot. That's right, my quarterback is retiring, and I'm feeling all kinds of things about it. 

Watching his last game at Heinz Field Monday night was an emotional journey. He played very well, as did the whole team, and it was nice to get the win. But it was tough to watch. The last game at Heinz for Big Ben. It's also the last time any Steelers will play at Heinz Field because Heinz will no longer be a sponsor. That's big. This kind of thing happens in pro sports so it's not shocking, but it will be so weird having the stadium change names. So many changes.

Here I sit in my Roethlisberger jersey which I've had since his first season with the Steelers, 18 years ago. Eighteen years and it's never been washed. That may sound gross to some, but it's not to me. I wore this jersey when we won Super Bowl 40, when we won Super Bowl 43, when we lost Super Bowl 45, and many games before, in between and since. And I'll probably wear it more. Actually, it looks like I may be wearing it for an upcoming playoff game if all goes well and the Chargers or the Raiders win tonight. They can't tie, that's it. A playoff run? I like the sound of that. Who kn0ws what can happen. It's the NFL. Anything's possible. I mean, the Jaguars (the team with the worst record in the league) beat the Colts (a pretty solid team) today to give us a chance to grab a wildcard spot. This shit gets crazy! I love this game. And I love the fans.

My neighbours are currently flying their 12 flag, cheering on the Seahawks in their final game of the season. I'm watching the game as well, and let me just say that it's a shame this team is not going to the playoffs because they're sure playing like they are. It's nice to see the fans on both sides gets excited for this game which doesn't mean a lot for either team, especially not for Seattle. But winning means something. It makes you feel good. Ya hear that, Raiders and Chargers?! WINNING FEELS GOOD! So please, one of you go out and get that win so we can make a trip to Kansas City next weekend. Win or lose, it'd be nice to be there.

On the topic of winning, it felt good to beat the Ravens in that last game. In Baltimore. The fans were great, as always. The team played a tribute to Big Ben, showing all of the times they've sacked him. It was incredible and brought a tear to my eye. I wouldn't expect anything less from the Ravens. They're great rivals. The best. I'm so happy that Ben got that win in Baltimore. What a crazy game. What a crazy career. Eighteen years with the same team. Eighteen years without a losing season. Year after year, record after record. It's been a wild ride and I'm gonna miss him.

Now I will leave you with a smile and a song, as you know I often do. "Renegade," of course. I'm gonna play this one loud for my Steelers, my Yinzers in the Burgh, Steelers fans everywhere, and for my quarterback. 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Ben.

See you in Canton!

Your biggest fan,

​KR