Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is reportedly on a strict diet and turned up to training camp looking thinner than before.
The beginning of Steelers training camp featured a slimmed-down Ben Roethlisberger looking ready for the 2021 season.
Pittsburgh’s quarterback turned up to the first day of camp sporting a shirt that reads “different” with signs of his reportedly “strict diet” apparent.
Big Ben will never be stick thin, but he’s clearly slimmed down.
Ben Roethlisberger is focusing on his weight and health in 2021
Roethlisberger has been criticized for his size in the past. He’s listed on the Steelers roster at 240. At times, that has felt like an inaccurate number.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Roethlisberger has taken his diet more seriously this year.
It’s worth remembering Roethlisberger is 39 years old. If he wants to keep playing at a high level, taking a page out of the ageless Tom Brady’s book is necessary. The habits he may have gotten away with earlier in his career don’t fly when you’re in your 18th year in the league.
At age 36, Roethlisberger had one of his best statistical seasons ever in 2018. Since then, he’s dealt with injury, but he’s coming off a solid 2020 campaign with 3,803 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Roethlisberger guided Pittsburgh to a 12-3 record in 2021. However, the team fell off a cliff late in the season. The quarterback’s inability to stretch the field by producing big plays over the top didn’t help the situation.
Fans just want to see him looking fit and capable of running the Steelers offense at his 2020 level and better going forward. His arm strength remains a concern, but more emphasis on fitness could make all the difference on that front.
The proof will come soon enough.