Dear Steeler Nation:
Big Ben is alive, alert and rebuilt. Training camp begins today at St. Vincent College near Latrobe. As does the long quest for one for the other thumb.
When "we" win the Super Bowl again in 2007 (any doubt?), "we" will not have developed and exerted freakish strength and skill or endured the violent assault on flesh, bone and brain in pursuit of a championship.
However, "we" will have gotten ours, the exploitation of these bashed and bloodied ballplayers for our prurient ends -- the identification with their lives, the thrill of fantasy, the excitement of a mock war, the heroes and villains.
Even off the field, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's face time with an automobile, pavement and surgeons was the grist for a churning of emotions.
Contrary to received wisdom, avid sports fans may be emotionally healthier, have better self-esteem and be more socially connected than folks who have little passion for anything.
And one study found that fans at the University of Florida were aroused by pictures of a winning play - perspiration, breathing, brain waves - much as they were turned on by erotic photos.
Indeed, sports give a healthy vent to emotions - positive and negative - and bring people into a common purpose.
So have at it, Steeler Nation - the season is nigh. And have fun.
But for all the emotional commitment to the football club, "we" will never feel one thing: The Steeler Nation never will know what it's like to be a real member of the team.
But we can dream. Oh, yes indeedy, we can dream. And we can live vicariously through giant, speedy and granite-tough men who today begin their quest for a sixth Super Bowl victory.
Here we go ...
