Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger donates $1 million to Miami (Ohio)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his wife have donated $1 million to his alma mater, Miami (Ohio), towards the construction of an indoor sports complex, the school announced Monday.
Roethlisberger, 32, played at the university from 2001 through 2003, accumulating 10,829 passing yards and 84 touchdowns before being drafted with the 11th overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft. Roethlisberger was named the 2003 MAC Offensive Player of the Year while playing for the RedHawks, and he finished ninth in the voting for the 2003 Heisman Trophy.
“This gift is a huge thank you to everything, on and off the field, that Miami University provided me,” said Roethlisberger. “Attending Miami was one of the best decisions of my life and I am happy to play a small part in helping to rebuild this football program.”
The Indoor Sports Center, which is expected to be completed in January, will feature a full-length 120 yard playing surface that will be called “Ben Roethlisberger Field.” The Indoor Sports Center will positively impact all 19 of Miami’s sports programs and allow teams to train year-round.
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Roethlisberger is currently in the midst of a six-year, $87.9 million contract with the Steelers that included a $25.2 million signing bonus. He set career highs with six touchdown passes and 522 passing yards during the Steelers' 51-34 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Steelers are 5-3 and tied for second in the AFC North.
The RedHawks are 2-7 on the season.
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