Ben Roethlisberger looks slimmer these days, and here's why

Last week, a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter broke the big news that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is looking slimmer this offseason – check out the pictures below -- but it took a few days for someone to get to the bottom of what his secret is.

Roethlisberger’s agent, Ryan Tollner, told ESPN this week that his client has lost 15 pounds while on a “high-cardio” regimen with team trainers.

Roethlisberger -- who is listed at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds but probably has weighed above that at times -- missed four games last season with a variety of injuries and couldn’t keep himself in top condition.

"He couldn't really work out because he kept getting hurt," Tollner told ESPN. "I think he said after the season, 'you know what, I'm going to lose weight to alleviate potential pain in my joints.' "

The last time we saw Roethlisberger, he was playing through a separated shoulder suffered in the postseason. Though he’s been considered tough to bring down rather than mobile during his 12-year career, getting a little more fit can’t hurt as he gets older.