WASHINGTON --

He didn't need a helmet or pads, but Ben Roethlisberger returned to the football field Thursday.

Roethlisberger, 27, led a team of NFL superstars in a football camp for Special Olympics athletes in Washington, D.C. The clinic is one of a series of charity efforts organized by the National Football League and its players' union on behalf of the Special Olympics.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Ben Roethlisberger Leads Special Olympics Athlete In Drill - Part 1

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Ben Roethlisberger Leads Special Olympics Athlete In Drill - Part 2

Roethlisberger is quickly becoming the face of NFL charity work and the league itself.

Roethlisberger said, "It's kind of the natural thing that happens when you start winning Super Bowls."

The former University of Miami of Ohio quarterback was honored Thursday with an award by the league and its partners for his community service. He recently made headlines for a series of financial donations to municipal police departments.

RAW VIDEO: INTERVIEW - Ben Roethlisberger in Washington, D.C.

In an exclusive interview Thursday, Roethlisberger spoke about his charity work, his family life and the Steelers upcoming NFL schedule. To hear those interviews -- and to view a behind-the-scenes SLIDESHOW and RAW VIDEO from Thursday's camp -- click on the link inside this story.

SLIDESHOW: - Roethlisberger Leads Football Camp For Special Olympics Athletes