Negotiations

Dear Mike Tomlin,

First off, congratulations are in order.  Not only for your Pittsburgh Steelers winning the Superbowl this year, but for you thoroughly owning the title of "hottest coach in the NFL."  (Seriously, the competition on that second contest is pretty weak).

Now, I don't want to push things too quickly, as I know you must be looking forward to a bit of a break in the off-season, but I suspect that one thing that could make you happier than winning the Superbowl this year would be if you were to win the Superbowl next year as well.

And that's where I come in.

I'll just lay the facts out plain and simple:

The Pittsburgh Steelers have won the Superbowl twice since naming Ben Roethlisberger quarterback.  What have both of those seasons shared in common?  Big, Bad Ben was quarterback on my Fantasy Football team.  And those are the only years that Ben has been on my fantasy football team.  That first year I had a championship fantasy football team, so it was no real shocker that come the Superbowl I had BOTH quarterbacks on my roster.  But this season?  My team stunk.  Last place in the league.  Almost record-breakingly bad.  Among my best players for the year - my kickers and my defense (Steelers, for what it's worth).  Yet Ben was on my team, among the top players, and he succeeded in the Superbowl.

Coincidence?  I think not.

And here's where the negotiations come in.  Obviously, it will be in your best interests if Ben is on my team again next year.  Without that you've got no hopes of a second championship ring.  So it would behoove you to take the necessary steps to make that happen.

If I had to pick my keepers today he'd likely have a spot - but Steve Smith is almost assured a spot and Jason Campbell is under consideration for the second (and final) position.  And, as you probably already know, Ben can be a little bit of a wildcard.  He was an almost sure-thing keeper after his Superbowl victory in January 2006.  But I did not keep him for the 2006 season.  Because he had a thing for riding his motorcycle without a helmet, and I couldn't risk it.  (Especially since I also had the other Superbowl quarterback available as a keeper).

So, what say you?  Can we strike a deal?  I'm interested, as it might be my only hope of finding success within the realms of fantasy football.  If you're interested I suggest we talk soon, because if Ben decides to take up bungee jumping or knife juggling before negotiations are complete then I suspect that all offers will be off the table.

Best regards,

Someone desperately trying to find a bright spot on her fantasy sports teams