(Sports Spectrum) As the minutes tick down toward kickoff, NFL locker rooms tend to grow quiet. Guys methodically strap on their gear. Many have headphones on or earbuds in; the music helps set their mood. A week of practice, training, film study, meetings — it all builds up to this game. The players are locked in.
In the Pittsburgh Steelers’ locker room, as 53 men prepare to take the field for pregame warmups, this is when their leader stands up, walks across the room and makes an announcement. At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, he’s a commanding presence simply in appearance. As the team’s starting quarterback since 2004, his voice carries some weight. With two Super Bowl rings, six Pro Bowl selections and a slew of records, he’s a future Hall of Famer. So when Ben Roethlisberger speaks, teammates listen.
“Prayer in the shower,” he yells. “Anybody who wants it, come get it.”