Ben Roethlisberger’s arm reportedly closer to his “First league MVP than bottom 10 finish”

A source close to Ben Roethlisberger has told Ryan Burr, formerly of NBC Sports and ESPN, that the Steelers quarterback is reportedly ‘more likely to win his first league MVP than finish outside top 10 in passing.’

A lot of this motivation was built up from the Steelers Wild Card loss to the Cleveland Browns back in January. The source also said Ben Roethlisberger is motivated by the amount of negative media he’s been receiving over the years, and especially here in the 2021 offseason.

The motivation has led Roethlisberger to reportedly working out more, and have a stricter diet than Tom Brady who’s renowned for his strict diet and training regiment. Brady, of course, has revolutionized NFL players extending the length of their careers, so if Roethlisberger can take a page out of that playbook maybe 2021 won't be his last season after all.

Burr’s source would further state:

“Ben will never mention the beating he has taken in the media, but says from a dedication standpoint has never seen anything from Ben close to this in past. Source say obsessed with diet & workouts.“

Clearly this year we will see an extra motivated Roethlisberger. Someone who's isn't just trying to prove he still belongs, but mark his place in history.

It has been a running joke year after year Roethlisberger would show up to camp in the “best shape of his life”. But, for the first time, the details are such I believe it. If Roethlisberger’s motivation off the field leads to better play on the field, Steelers fans shouldn't be so willing to move on from the old gunslinger. We’ve already seen early signs of Roethlisberger buying in with perfect attendance at the Steelers Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp.

It’s not just Burr’s sources speaking positive about Roethlisberger. Former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher has gone on record to speak on the motivation for Ben Roethlisberger this season. Taking the time during his Hall of Fame induction press conference to speak about his former quarterback.

The 39 year old quarterback could easily ride off into the sunset with his legacy firmly in-place. However, that just won't be enough for the Steelers all-time leader in touchdowns, yards and games played. If there was any worry about what kind of condition Roethlisberger will be showing up to camp in this season, Roethlisberger just quieted his doubters. It is also safe to say after having to rehab major elbow surgery throughout the 2020 offseason, Ben Roethlisberger will be much further along in 2021 compared to 2020. Whether or not this will be the veteran quarterback’s final season is yet to be determined, but Roethlisberger is giving everything he has to the Steelers success this season.