Cannon: Firing Line
Enjoy It Ben
By Ellis G. Cannon
Publisher, Pittsburgh Sports Report

Not to sound like a senior here, but we feel compelled to give Ben Roethlisberger some advice. The way things have been going for him this season, advice may be the last thing he needs. If anything, this kid may just want to bottle everything around him and leave well enough alone.

But he can't - and he shouldn't.

No, what Ben needs to know - has to know - is "this" isn't going to last forever. For all anyone knows, maybe he's the greatest quarterback of all time and his future will be filled with what we've seen and more. For all we know, this is nothing more than a warm-up act for what's to follow.

For his sake, that better be the case, because as we know, no place eats its own better than Pittsburgh.

What's in today could just as easily be out tomorrow. What has us out of our seats in a happy full-throat today has been known to have us in not-so-happy full-throat tomorrow.

Even if Ben is the next Unitas, Bradshaw, Marino and Montana wrapped up into one, he has to know someday there will be a loss or, God forbid, losses, which, despite all the he's done this magical season, will get back to his doorstep.

And the big boy better be prepared for it when it does.

We can go through the obvious examples of greats who've passed through here, been hailed and then showered with boos. We can give you players who've faced worse, when the idea of such a thing would have hit everyone as crazy just a short time before, when all was going well. But you know those stories.

Here's one to consider: Mario Lemieux. It's practically an insult to describe the man as merely one of the greatest hockey players of all time. He's saved hockey here repeatedly, won Cups, overcome cancer, captained world championships, led the growth of youth hockey in the region, put his name on a successful and nationally recognized golf event, become an international ambassador for Pittsburgh and he drives millions of dollars through his foundation. Just to name a few.

And when he decided to play for Canada in the Olympics he got dogged as a traitor.

Oh, yeah, Ben, it's coming. It's not all going to be about rookie records, Letterman and sandwiches. Don't believe this extended honeymoon is reality - because it's not.

If you need a list of Steelers who've been eaten up after having their praises sung, you're probably not from here.

It works like this: What Ben is providing now is what The Nation expects every year. Many believe it is their birthright to win Super Bowls and the quarterback is the key. When others were on track to deliver them - Neil and Kordell come to mind - they were protected. When they didn't deliver, well, I don't need to finish the thought.

That's not to say there's not a lot to be excited about with Roethlisberger. He and the Steelers are far ahead of where they were supposed to be at this point. It should make for even more highlights and winning down the road, which very likely will put the Steelers in a position to deliver that Super Bowl to which people believe they are entitled. Even if he fails at that, he will likely develop into an outstanding quarterback, possibly one of historical proportions.

Whether that's good enough, we'll see. Just know, Ben, this isn't reality. This is a dream and you're living it. Enjoy every second.

"Ellis Cannon's Sportsline Pittsburgh" airs weeknights, 6-8 p.m. on FM NewsTalk 104.7. Ellis is also a regular contributor on the "#1 Cochran Sports Showdown" aired Sundays at 11:35 on KDKA-TV.