Local News

500 Kids Take Part In Roethlisberger Pro Camp

June 16, 2014 / 6:30 PM EDT / CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Some kids kicked off their summer break with a little football by taking part in the Seventh Annual Ben Roethlisberger Pro Camp.

Sarah Arbogast sat down with Roethlisberger for an exclusive interview at Seneca Valley High School.

Roethlisberger spent the day passing and catching with 500 first-eighth graders.

The kids were all taking part in the one-day pro camp.

"I think he's a really good football player and I think it's amazing that we're meeting him," one girl said.

"He's the best football player in the world and it's nice for him to be here," one boy said.

The kids learned about football, but there was a big focus on character and working together.

"The big thing I preach is teamwork, sportsmanship, we give out a sportsmanship award, a teammate award. So, whether it's their own team helping them off the ground, an opponent, listening to the coach, hustling, things like that. To me, that means just as much as if they catch every pass or throw every ball perfect," Roethlisberger said.

During it all, the kids have a blast and so does Big Ben.

He said the camp is a good way to let loose and have some fun before Steelers mini-camp coming up this week.

"Most of the time, I'm trying to keep them focused on football because they want to talk about the Steelers and my teammates and stuff like that. So, I enjoy it. I'm a big kid at heart, so it's fun for all of us," he said.

After all the action here on the field the kids head home with a T-shirt, a team photo with Roethlisberger and even an autograph.