Thomas, renowned for his tenure with the Browns where he stood out as one of the league’s most formidable offensive linemen, has undergone a striking transformation in weight since his retirement in 2018. This transformation has surprised fans who have followed his transition to an NFL Network analyst post his playing career. How did he lose weight? Scroll down and read on to find out more information!
WHO IS JOE THOMAS?
- Real Name – Joseph Hayden Thompson
- Birthday – December 4, 1984
- Age in 2023 – 38
- Occupation – Professional Football player
- Weight Before – 310 pounds
- Weight Loss After – Approx 260 pounds
- Reduced Weight Loss – 50 pounds
Joe Thomas, a renowned professional football player, made his mark playing for the Cleveland Browns before retiring in 2018. Known for his remarkable feat of playing more than 10,000 consecutive snaps, Thomas was highly regarded as an offensive lineman in the sport. In football, a player’s weight and size can be pivotal, so when Thomas weighed 312 pounds, it didn’t draw much attention. Additionally, he was honored with the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Following an injury and an illustrious 11-year NFL career, the NFL iron man made the decision to retire from the game. Post-retirement, he made a conscious effort to prioritize his health, opting for healthier eating habits to shed the excess weight. Embracing a change in lifestyle and daily routine proved to be transformative for this star athlete.
HOW DID JOE THOMAS GAIN WEIGHT?
When Joe began his professional football career, he initially weighed around 250 pounds, which wasn’t sufficient for him to play on the offensive line. Recognizing the need to bulk up, he altered his diet to gain the necessary weight. Incorporating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches between his three daily meals became his strategy to pack on the pounds. Despite not being naturally built on a large scale, he committed to the task, consuming sandwiches every half hour and guzzling around 30-35 liters of milk before bed, concluding with a final sandwich. This regimen amounted to a daily intake of 6,000 to 7,000 calories, propelling his weight to an impressive 325 pounds.
The added weight proved beneficial for him in the physical demands of football, enhancing his ability to push opponents in the run game and resist bull rushes in pass plays. Maintaining this weight became paramount to his role on the team, as any decrease in weight could risk his position. To stave off weight loss, he adhered to a high-calorie diet, although it came with challenges such as frequent heartburn due to the heavy sugar and carb intake.
Despite the advantages, sustaining his weight posed constant struggles, often leaving him feeling starved if he hadn’t eaten in just two hours. Throughout his football career, he became accustomed to finishing others’ meals when they couldn’t, ensuring he met his dietary requirements and maintained his physique for optimal performance on the field.
HOW DID JOE THOMAS LOSE WEIGHT?
Throughout his NFL career, the star player grappled with the challenge of maintaining a higher weight, often resorting to unhealthy eating habits which took a toll on his well-being. Constantly relying on painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications to manage the physical strain became a routine. As time passed, he increasingly looked forward to retiring from the game to embrace a healthier lifestyle. His desire to move freely, play with friends without enduring aches, pains, and incessant weight fluctuations became paramount.
Since retiring, he has overhauled his diet and workout routine significantly. Opting to revert to his college-era weight goal of 250 pounds, he embarked on a journey towards better health and mobility. This decision marks a pivotal shift towards prioritizing his well-being and enjoying a more fulfilling life beyond the constraints of professional football.
JOE THOMAS DIET
Losing weight wasn’t an extraordinary feat for Thomas; he attributed his rapid weight loss to simply consuming close to the recommended daily calorie intake. During his time with the Browns, Thomas had to consume thousands of extra calories per day to maintain his playing weight, which typically ranged between 300 and 315 pounds.
According to Thomas, once he achieved his weight loss goal through normal eating habits, he shifted his focus to the quality of his food intake. He emphasized the importance of eating smarter and began tracking his meals to understand the ideal balance of protein, carbs, and fats. He credited a Browns dietician for educating him about the nutritional value of his food choices.
Since retiring, Thomas has transitioned to a role as an NFL Network analyst, showcasing a striking transformation from his playing days. Now, as he prepares to enter the Hall of Fame, he is in the best shape of his life, reflecting his commitment to a healthier lifestyle.
JOE THOMAS’S WORKOUT ROUTINE
When it comes to crafting a workout routine, individuals often find that different combinations of activities suit their needs. Joe Thomas discovered that incorporating yoga into his post-retirement regimen significantly benefited him. Emphasizing its positive impact on his body, Thomas expressed that yoga leaves him feeling rejuvenated while also being mindful of his joints.
Additionally, Thomas has gravitated towards bodybuilding-style lifting since retiring from professional football. This approach typically involves higher repetitions and focuses on single-joint exercises to build strength. In conjunction with weightlifting, he has also integrated swimming and biking extensively into his routine. Thomas finds that low-intensity cardio, such as swimming and biking, aligns well with his body type and yields favorable results in maintaining his fitness levels.
HOW MUCH DOES JOE THOMAS WEIGH?
Thomas hasn’t disclosed his precise weight, but he mentioned his playing weight as 300 pounds, indicating a loss of 50 pounds post-retirement. This likely places his current weight around 250 pounds. For a 6’6″ individual who maintained his size throughout his career, this achievement is certainly commendable.
In the NFL, different positions demand varying sizes, and offensive linemen like Thomas rely heavily on their size and strength to excel. Whether shielding the quarterback or clearing the way for a running play, size is paramount for offensive tackles.
Thomas joins a list of former NFL offensive linemen who have undergone remarkable transformations after retiring from the game. Marshal Yanda shed 60 pounds post-retirement, while Russell Okung, Matt Birk, and Hall of Famer Alan Faneca also stunned fans with their post-football changes.
JOE THOMAS BEFORE-AND-AFTER PHOTOS
Thomas’ weight loss wasn’t merely evident on the scale; he underwent a complete body transformation post-retirement. To the extent that the photos below depict what seems like two entirely different individuals.
CONCLUSION
Joe Thomas’s weight loss marks a significant transformation from his playing days. As a star football player, he maintained a weight of over 300 pounds to excel in the game, grappling with the challenges of a high-calorie diet and its side effects. However, upon retiring, Thomas underwent a drastic lifestyle and diet shift, resulting in a fit and healthy body. By reducing his carb and sugar intake, he also experienced a decrease in pains and inflammation, marking a positive change for the athlete.
FAQS
1. Does Joe Thomas have a wife?
Yes, she is Annie Thomas.
2. Does Joe Thomas own Mission BBQ?
No, Joe Thomas does not own Mission BBQ.
