Roethlisberger cut sugar, carbs from diet to prolong career

So much for Ben Roethlisberger's impending retirement.

After flirting with hanging it up for years, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback is now working to prolong his career. The 14-year veteran has cut sugar and carbs out of his diet.

"Do everything you can to really say, 'OK, I'm going to be the best I can be physically, mentally for this season,'" Roethlisberger said Thursday at training camp, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "But if you can continue looking after your body and keeping yourself healthy, it can lead to more years."

Roethlisberger has taken a physical beating throughout his career. He's been sacked 477 times, an average of 34 takedowns per season, and that doesn't even include the tackles he sheds to constantly extend plays with his 6-foot-5 frame.

Still, Big Ben has played in no fewer than 12 games each season.

"Knees, ankles, being lighter - those are all positives when it comes to this age and playing football, where you're pounding on your knees and you've had a couple of knee surgeries," he said. "Anything you can do to lighten the load on your knees is important."