Ben Roethlisberger has always been known for a strong arm.
Even so, the Pittsburgh Steelers signal-caller devoted the offseason to adding zip to his right arm. He also worked with a personal trainer and nutritionist for the first time to shed weight from his 6-foot-5, 241-pound frame.
"My arm is stronger than it's been in my career, I believe," Roethlisberger said Saturday, per Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Even in practices and minicamp the receivers said, 'Ben that ball is getting to us a lot quicker, with a lot more spin on it, it feels real good.' That should translate into better play."
Coming off an 8-8 season, the Steelers could use improved play from their franchise QB, not that Ben was the problem. For the second consecutive offseason, Pittsburgh lost a top receiver to free agency.
Big Ben also has his unresolved contract status hanging over his head. The 32-year-old has just two years remaining on his current deal, and team president Art Rooney II said Friday that the Steelerswon't negotiate an extension until after the season.
"As I put my faith and trust in them, when the time is right, we'll get it done," Roethlisberger said. "Now I can just concentrate on football."
The two-time Super Bowl champ's confidence is buoyed by the implentation of the no-huddle offense down the stretch last season, a strategy he says "needs to be an integral part of our offense" in 2014.
"You start getting to 32, it's time," he said. "As your body deteriorates, your natural talents start to go a little bit. You have to bring in physical working out, building, taking protein and doing extra stuff.
"I want this year to be my best year, and if I have to do extra things, I'm going to do it."
The latest "Around The League Podcast" offers up team-by-team training camp previews of the NFC East and NFC West.
