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The rookie quarterback helped to lead the Steelers to a 15-1 record, so why shouldn't he think he can take a lead for the entire NFL?

Ben Roethlisberger announced yesterday that he would donate the $18,000 check he will earn from the playoff game Saturday against the New York Jets to relief for the tsunami victims. And he hopes other NFL players will follow.

"Obviously, a game check isn't anything like some of the [New York] Yankees and some of those people who donated $1 million," Roethlisberger said, "but everything that they can get probably helps.

"Hopefully, it's a challenge to other NFL players, because you have seen the NBA guys do it [so much] per point and all that stuff. As much as we can give, I'm sure they will take, and it will be a good help for them."

Said coach Bill Cowher, "That's a heck of a gesture on his part, and it says a lot about the kid for him to do something like that."

Each Steelers player will receive $18,000 for the game. They will receive an extra $36,500 if they advance to the AFC championship game. The Super Bowl winner earns an additional $68,000 and the Super Bowl loser an additional $36,500.

Grimm report

Russ Grimm, assistant head coach and humorist, was asked if he knocked 'em dead during his four-hour interview with Cleveland Browns officials for their coaching job.

"Not really," Grimm answered. "It's like my SAT scores, I didn't know half the questions."

Grimm said he does not know where he stands among the candidates for the job. If the Browns want to talk to him again -- or hire him -- they must wait until the Steelers' season ends.

"If you have those aspirations, it's something you have to look into," Grimm said. "That's over and done with now, we're worried about New York."

A rare full house

Every player on the Steelers' 53-man roster practiced yesterday, a first of sorts in their season of success despite their many injuries.

"We had a lot of energy, and it was nice to have all the bodies out there," Cowher said.

"I think it's the first time probably all year that we haven't had anybody miss practice. I told them this morning it's going to make for some tough game-day decisions and deactivations."

Cornerback Deshea Townsend practiced with a big cast on his right hand that will be replaced by a smaller, more flexible one for the game.

Cowher indicated Townsend will start at right cornerback, provided he continues to make it through practice with no setbacks this week.

"He's fine," Cowher said.

"He'll be fine playing the ball, he'll be fine tackling and doing all those things that you have to do."

Chad Scott will play in the nickel and dime defenses.

Bell chimes in

Linebacker Kendrell Bell has played only three games this season and hasn't played since Nov. 21. He practiced last week and went through another one yesterday. Bell had surgery for a hernia early in October, returned to play and injured his groin.

"I won't be 100 percent until after the season," Bell said.

"But I feel I can get to a point where I will be comfortable and I will be able to play.

"It hasn't been miserable for me. After five weeks, frustration went down the drain, and I shifted my focus to helping the team prepare against other opponents. That's because we've been winning."

Bell said he does not have the explosion he had before the injury.

Will it be lucky 13 for Cowher?

At 13 seasons, Cowher holds the longest current tenure of any NFL coach, but he's also mindful that none of his teams has won a Super Bowl.

The Steelers earned four Super Bowl rings in the 1970s, and Cowher was asked about their quest for one for the thumb.

"I'm looking for any finger, personally," Cowher said, holding up a hand. "They're all open."

A Schottenheimer fan

Despite his 15-1 record through all the injuries and playing a rookie quarterback, Cowher finished second in The Associated Press Coach of the Year voting last week, won by Marty Schottenheimer, his mentor.

"I know all the things I voted on, I voted for him," said Cowher.

"I think he did a great job ... I was happy for him and I was actually looking forward to hopefully playing him this week, but you know what? They'll be back, and no one is more deserving than him."

Mum's the word

Cowher said he probably will not reveal who will start at halfback on Saturday, Jerome Bettis or Duce Staley.

"I don't know if I'll even announce anything. They both are going to play this week. And we'll know how we are at the end of the week."