HOW NFL PLAYERS LOSE WEIGHT AFTER THEIR CAREERS
American football is the most popular sport in the country. Every Sunday, the National Football League (NFL) dominates TV across the U.S. with a heavy focus on top NFL players and their careers. Fans simply can’t get enough of the performance of each player, their stats, who the highest-paid is, and even what goes on in their personal life – they are always in the spotlight.
There’s not quite as much hype after playing in the NFL, and some players merely disappear from media altogether. However, some players still battle on even after playing professionally in order to control their weight and adjust to normal life.
We’ll highlight this by revealing three top players and their weight battles after the NFL.
- David Carter
David Carter was a massive 300-pound defensive lineman when he played for the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. During his time in the NFL, he was one of the biggest and strongest players on those teams. Carter took his weight seriously and switched to a 100 per cent plant-based diet and was eating beans, rice and grains. According to GQ, Carter quickly lost 40 pounds on his new diet, and Carter says he’s stronger than ever! Today, David Carter is a confident model and is busy with speaking engagements, like the VegFest San Luis Obispo.
- Joe Thomas
Joe Thomas was at a heavy-duty 310 pounds for the majority of his professional football career with the Cleveland Browns. He is regarded by many as the greatest offensive linemen of all time and played 10,363 consecutive snaps, which is believed to be the longest streak ever by an NFL player. He is a 10-time Pro Bowler and is on the ballot for the Pro Football Hall of Fame vote for 2023. Thomas changed his habits and revealed on social media that he embraced swimming, yoga and a ketogenic diet. The best weight loss programs allow for some flexibility in the diet to continue enjoying food, but by moderating portion size and mixing the things you like with food that is good for you. Thomas, therefore, could still eat 1500-2000 calories per day, go for a swim, and still feel full.
- Brad Culpepper
Brad Culpepper played nine seasons in the NFL with Minnesota, Tampa Bay and Chicago from 1992 to 2000. During his professional career, he was a gigantic 280-pound defensive lineman. After retirement, he changed his eating habits and made healthier choices, did more exercise and even ran a marathon. As a result, Culpepper lost 80 pounds, 10 inches at the waist, and now wears size-32 pants. He was proud to show his physique off as he competed with his wife on the show Survivor. Today, Culpepper has his own law firm in Tampa, specializing as a personal injury attorney.
Many athletes struggle with keeping a good physique after retiring from their careers. But there are always exceptions, and these retired NFL players are leading the way. They inspire us all, teaching us that even after the game ends, keeping healthy and fit must be a priority in life.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning a bit more about NFL stars, and for more articles like this one, please check out our Sunday Sports Page.
