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PITTSBURGH -- Ben Roethlisberger stopped by Heath Millers locker and decided it was time to throw his tight ends hat into the political ring. "Forget Pro Bowl, Im going to make him president of the United States," the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback said with a laugh. When asked what Millers platform would be, Roethlisberger -- who installed himself as Millers campaign manager -- kept it simple. "You should be tough, be tough like Heath," he said. Forgive Roethlisberger for his exuberance, and never mind that at age 30 Miller is still too young to run for the White House. Considering the way Miller has quietly and responsibly carried himself through his steady eight-year career, its no wonder Roethlisberger wouldnt mind having his good friend running the country. Not that Miller would consider it. Running for president would require bringing attention to himself, something Miller has avoided with the same kind of agility thats made him one of the leagues most consistent tight ends for the better part of a decade. Even now, in the midst of perhaps his finest season, Miller seems just happy to do his part for a 3-3 team still searching for a rhythm heading into Sundays game against Washington (3-4). Listen to Miller talk and you wouldnt think hes second on the team in receptions (31) and tied with New Englands Rob Gronkowski for the NFL lead for touchdown catches by a tight end with five. On paper -- and on the field -- it looks like Miller is in the midst of a career year. Not that hes paying attention or anything. "You can look at the stats and make determinations based on that but I feel Im the same player Ive always been," Miller said. One that may finally be stepping into the spotlight whether he likes it or not. Roethlisberger has always considered Miller a "security blanket" since the day the Steelers selected him in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft. The bond between the two appears stronger than ever, particularly around the goal line. Millers touchdowns this season have all been nine yards or less, a tribute to the way Miller can get his 6-foot-5 frame to work within confined spaces. In last weeks 24-17 win over Cincinnati, Miller cut across the middle, hauled in a fastball from Roethlisberger then absorbed a couple of shots before coming down with the ball to help the Steelers tie the game late in the first half. "He catches it with his hands, he gets hit by a bunch of guys, holds on," Roethlisberger. "Youve got to enjoy throwing to a guy like that." And while Miller often doesnt show it, he enjoys playing like that. His post-touchdown celebrations are often muted affairs. Hes only too happy to leave the turf-thundering spikes to Gronkowski. Every once in a while -- particularly if he thinks the Steelers need a lift -- Miller will provide a glimpse of whats going on underneath the helmet. On the road with the season at a critical point against a division rival turned out to be one of those times. Standing in the end zone in hostile territory, Miller looked up into the crowd and flexed just before getting mobbed by his teammates. The uncharacteristic outburst didnt go unnoticed, even if Miller sheepishly and sincerely insists it wasnt planned. "Its cool to see him show emotion because hes such a reserved guy," rookie tight end David Paulson said. "When he makes plays he gets the whole team going ... he does everything right." The Steelers are relying on that leadership more than ever. When injuries to the offensive line forced Pittsburgh to start rookie Mike Adams at right tackle last week against Cincinnatis aggressive front seven, the team lined Miller up to Adams right early in the game to take some of the pressure off until Adams could settle in. Perhaps its no coincidence most of Pittsburghs season-high 167 yards rushing came right behind Miller. Its that dedication to being all facets of his position that led Roethlisberger to call Miller "maybe the best teammate Ive played with at any level." That selflessness, however, has rarely led to personal accolades. Miller went to the Pro Bowl in 2009 but has spent the majority of his career in the shadows of players who have put up gaudier numbers. Miller would appreciate a trip to Hawaii but hopes he doesnt get to go if selected. Hed rather be getting ready for the Super Bowl the last weekend in January if given the choice. Its typical Miller, who is making a case that hes the best tight end in franchise history. His next touchdown catch will tie Elbie Nickels team record for scoring grabs by a tight end (37). Hes already third on Pittsburghs all-time reception list (368) and should move into second at some point if he continues to stay healthy. Miller shrugs off his ascension up the ladder, calling it merely a byproduct of longevity. "If you stick around long enough, I guess those things come," he said. "Ive been here awhile and fortunately Ive been with a good quarterback for all those years so I think that counts for a lot." So does working with a metronome-like consistency that sometimes gets taken for granted, just not by his quarterback, who believes Miller the best player at his position in the NFL. "Absolutely," Roethlisberger said. "People are going to argue with numbers, but all around tight end, no doubt about it." Cheap Jerseys USA . PETERSBURG, Russia -- Top-seeded Mikhail Youzhny of Russia beat Canadian Vasek Pospisil 7-6 (4), 6-1 Tuesday to advance to the second round of the St. Cheap Jerseys China .763 mph in Saturdays qualifying. Its the 11th pole of Hamlins career and his second this season. http://www.dancewithmeusa.com/hot.html . My best wishes to each one of you and your families.DAVOS, Switzerland -- Canada is off to the semifinal round at the Spengler Cup and didnt have to lace up its skates Friday to cement the berth. Canada had the day off but received a bye to the semifinals after H.C. Davos defeated Adler Mannheim 6-2 in the final preliminary round game for both teams. Davos rallied from a 2-0 deficit to earn the victory, which gave Canada (1-1, four points) top spot in its division and a bye to the semifinal round. Mannheim (1-1, two points) opened the tournament with a 2-1 overtime victory over the Canadians and wouldve clinched first in the conference with a victory over the Swiss club. Davos (1-1, two points) dropped a 5-0 decision to Canada on Thursday which relegated it to the quarter-final round regardless of the outcome against Mannheim.dddddddddddd. HC Vitkovice Steel defeated Fribourg Gotteron 2-1 on Friday to finish atop the other group with four points and receive a bye to the semifinal round. On Saturday, Mannheim will face Fribourg Gotteron in one quarter-final game while Davos will take on Salavat Yulaev UFA in the other. The winners will advance to the semifinal round Sunday against Canada and HC Vitkovice Steel. The semifinal victors will battle for the tournament championship Monday. ' ' '