Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman will have a new look to him in the 2012-13 season as it's been reported that he has dropped 20 pounds this off-season.
He has been playing at 260 pounds since 2010, but his new build should help his mobility.
"I stopped going to Taco Bell late at night," Freeman said.
Freeman had a great rookie campaign with 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions, but fell off and had his own sophomore slump last season with 16 touchdowns and 22 interceptions.
He's looking to rebound with a whole new coaching staff led by Greg Schiano and alongside with key free agent signings such as wide receiver Vincent Jackson and offensive guard Carl Nicks. Freeman will have a lighter frame and hopefully a successful season with his new toy to throw to and protect him in Jackson and Nicks.
ESPN Insider, Pat Yasinskas, suggests that his lighter frame isn't the only new thing Josh Freeman is adjusting to:
"But the sleek look isn't the only thing new for Freeman. He's adjusting to a new offense that's being implemented by coordinator Mike Sullivan. Freeman said about 80 percent of the offense has been installed. He wouldn't go into much detail about the offense, other than to reiterate coach Greg Schiano's philosophy of running the ball consistently and taking shots down the field. But Freeman did say the new offensive scheme and the addition of wide receiver Vincent Jackson should lead to fun. 'We try to wreak havoc in the secondary,' Freeman said."
The dropping in weight should help out Freeman's mobility around the pocket drastically. This will help Freeman avoid his defenders and not be stiff in the pocket. Also, it should help Freeman out in his overall work ethic.
He has been working with trainer Grant Gregory as well to lose the weight. Freeman has put in more dedication to his body and that could be scary for NFL defenses.
A motivated Freeman will keep defenses on their toes and help out the Bucs' offense.
He has still hasn't reached his full potential yet in the NFL. Hopefully, Freeman has a similar season to his rookie year and not his disappointing sophomore slump in the league.
Evan Sidery is a beat writer for FootBasket. He is a fan
of the Colts and Pacers. You can see more about him by following him on Twitter.
