At just 23 years old, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to win the Super Bowl this past February in Detroit, Michigan. He's also the first quarterback of Swiss descent to play inand winthe big game.
Roethlisberger is also exploring his Swiss roots. This May, he'll make his first trip to Switzerland to visit his great-grandfather's village, embark on outdoor adventures, and maybe even meet Miss Switzerland. We'll let you figure out what he's looking forward to most! In the first of a series of interviews with Swiss celebrities, Swiss Roots chats with one of the NFL's rising stars.
Swiss Roots: Congratulations on winning the Super Bowl! What was the most memorable experience from your time in Detroit?
Ben Roethlisberger: Thanks! It was great being in Detroit for the game. I've dreamed about playing in the Super Bowl since I was a kidI'm sure playing in the Super Bowl is something every kid dreams aboutand to just be there and do it was a dream come true. Seeing all the Super Bowl banners of your team and the pictures of yourself just feels amazing.
Swiss Roots: What was the reception like back in Pittsburgh?
Ben Roethlisberger: That was kind of when it all started to really sink in. It didn't fully hit me until we got back, and [the parade] kind of made it seem like "Wow, this actually happened, and this is actually real." That's the other thing: you see all these other people and their parades, whether it's the New York Yankees or the Chicago Bulls, and when you're riding in your team's parade, and there are a half a million people packed in the streets, going crazy for you it was just absolutely amazing.
Swiss Roots: How has your life changed since the Super Bowl?
Ben Roethlisberger: Well, it's been a whirlwind, and this is kind of the first chance I've had to relax a little bit and enjoy it, but more people know who I am now, and it's harder to go anywhere and not be recognized, especially in Pittsburgh. Pictures, autographs it's incredible how many more people recognize me now.
Swiss Roots: The Swiss media is writing more and more about American football, in part because of you. How does that make you feel?
Ben Roethlisberger: I think it's great. It's awesome that I can help spread the love of football that America has to other people who maybe don't get to experience it as much as we do. And hopefully, people will start to pick up on it more over there and enjoy it as much as we do.
Swiss Roots: Have you received fan mail from Swiss residents or people with Swiss roots living in the U.S.?
Ben Roethlisberger: Yes, I have, especially on my website. I get emails coming in from people thanking me for making Swiss people proud and asking if I'll ever get over to Switzerland for a visit.
Swiss Roots: Are you comfortable with being "the face" of Switzerland or, in other words, one of the most well-known celebrities of Swiss descent living in the U.S.?
Ben Roethlisberger: It's great, and I would love that responsibility. I'm becoming the face of a lot of thingsthe Steelers and, kind of, the National Football League nowand I want to make not just my family and friends proud, but also my heritage. So any way that I can make the people of Switzerland proud, that's what I'll do.
Big Ben Gets Ready to Touch-Down in Switzerland
Swiss Roots: How much do you know about your Swiss heritage?
Ben Roethlisberger: Honestly, I didn't know a whole lot until recently; then I started feeling it out a little more and hearing a little more about it. Now, when people ask me where I'm from, I'm quick to say, "Well, I'm Swiss." I'm sure I have a lot of things in me, but that's one of the things I tell peoplethat I'm Swiss.
Swiss Roots: Has anyone in your family ever tried to trace your history?
Ben Roethlisberger: I'm not sure. I think my mom did a little bit, but I'm not sure to what extentif she just took it back to my grandparents or to my great-grandparents, to their grandparents Sometimes it's hard to trace those things, and sometimes it's a little easier, but I'm definitely interested in knowing more.
Swiss Roots: Swiss Roots has launched a site where you can trace your roots, meet people from Switzerland, and share Swiss-related stories. What would be your Swiss story?
Ben Roethlisberger: Well, this experience with Swiss Roots is really the first thing I could write about. But it would be a great thing for me, the Swiss Roots program, and for the country of Switzerland, if I could make a trip over there. I think a lot of people would be interested in hearing about that trip, and it would really boost the program and the website.
Swiss Roots: What kind of images do you think of when you think about Switzerland?
Ben Roethlisberger: Going on things I just know in general and have heard from other people, it's an absolutely beautiful country. I'm an outdoors kind of guy and love to go fishing and all that stuff, and I think that it's got to be just gorgeous. I'm sure you can just stand outside and spin around in circles and look at the beautiful landscape and just let it take your breath away. So I'm looking forward to that and seeing all the things I know Switzerland has to offer.
Swiss Roots: We're trying to arrange a trip for you to go to Switzerland and show you the sights, including a visit to your great-grandfather's town in the Bernese Emmental.
Ben Roethlisberger: That'd be awesome! If that town is known for their cheese, then I should take my dad: he loves cheeses, and he actually used to work in a cheese factory, so I know he'd love that.
Swiss Roots: What do you think about maybe meeting Miss Switzerland or playing tennis with Roger Federer?
Ben Roethlisberger: I'm sure the people of Switzerland would love it if I eventually married Miss Switzerland! It'd be awesome to meet those people, though I'd have to brush up on my tennis skills if I'm going to play Roger. I'd like to try and just see one of his serves!
Swiss Roots: Finally, you've already accomplished in 2 years what few NFL players ever do in their whole careerswin a Super Bowl. Where do you go from here?
Ben Roethlisberger: I have a couple things planned this summer, other than hopefully getting to Switzerland. [Retired Steelers runningback] Jerome Bettis is getting married during the off-season, so I'm going to try to make that trip, and I wouldn't mind getting away to an island somewhere and relaxing for awhile, sipping margaritas on a beach.
Other than that, I'm letting my body recover, rehab-ing after my knee surgery, and just trying to get healthy. I don't see anything wrong with going out and trying to win another Super Bowl back-to-back. Hopefully we go bigger and better next year.
Big Ben in Switzerland
In May, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger journeyed to Switzerland for some one-on-one time with his Swiss roots. What did he think about his first foray onto Swiss soil, and what adorable souvenir does he treasure? Read on for the full details!
Swiss Roots: What were your expectations of your first trip to Switzerland?
Ben Roethlisberger: I wasn't sure what to expect, but the reality went way beyond anything I could have imagined. The people were so nice to me and my family. The country is beautiful.
Swiss Roots: Tell us some more about your trip.
Ben Roethlisberger: My trip to Switzerland was amazing—it was like a fairy tale or a dream come true.
Swiss Roots: What will be your fondest memory?
Ben Roethlisberger: It's the time I spent visiting the farm and village where my great-grandfather lived.
Swiss Roots: What did you enjoy most about your flights on SWISS International Air Lines?
Ben Roethlisberger: The airline was amazing. There were all these different kinds of foods to eat in first class. I liked being able to lie down and play games or watch a movie.
Swiss Roots: Do you think you will travel back to Switzerland one day?
Ben Roethlisberger: I would love to go back again. Only next time, I'm not going to tell anyone that I'm there. [laughs]
Swiss Roots: Did you bring back some souvenirs? Any favorites?
Ben Roethlisberger: I really enjoyed the Swiss wines, but of course, my favorite souvenir is my new puppy! I brought back a Bernese Mountain Dog—his name is Hercules. He is awesome.
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