“Big Ben” Roethlisberger was there. So was hard-hitting James Harrison, trash-talking Ike Taylor and Troy Polumalu’s mossy locks of hair. In February, the Pittsburgh Steelers, champions of the NFL’s American Football Conference, practiced at the Sam Baugh Indoor Practice facility in the days leading up to Super Bowl XLV.

Despite icy conditions and frigid temperatures that kept workouts inside, the Steelers were complimentary of their temporary digs and their hosts.

“I have great respect for the TCU program and what they’ve been able to build here,’’ Steeler head coach Mike Tomlin said during the week. “TCU’s had everything we’ve needed this week.”

Just off the recruiting trail, TCU football coach Gary Patterson stopped in to watch with some assistants and a few players from his Rose Bowl championship team.

“To have the Steelers out here at our facility is awesome and great for our program,’’ Patterson said, watching the early stages of practice from the sidelines. “A lot of their guys have picked up our [Rose Bowl] trophy and been impressed with it.’’

Otherwise, the Steelers were barely noticed on campus. Workouts were closed to the public.