Sports | January 17, 2019 2:00 pm

Obesity, Not Just Concussions, Is a Huge Problem for Ex-NFL Players

Former linemen have higher rates of hypertension, obesity and sleep apnea than the general population.

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Offensive lineman Joe Looney #73 of the Dallas Cowboys blocks against defensive lineman Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game at Heinz Field on November 13, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Cowboys defeated the Steelers 35-30. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

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By Evan Bleier @itishowitis

Concussions and head trauma get all the attention, but obesity is another big health problem among retired NFL players, especially linemen.

Since a premium has been placed on protecting and sacking the quarterback, offensive and defensive linemen in the NFL have been getting bigger and bulkier in the past few decades, often topping out at well over 300 pounds.

However, once these men retire and are no longer working out or eating like an NFL player, that extra mass can be very difficult to lose. That’s especially true because many have sustained damage to their feet, knees, backs and, shoulders which make it difficult for them to exercise.

Compared to the general population and even other NFL players, former linemen, have higher rates of hypertension, obesity and sleep apnea.

Though the NFL does offer retired players medical exams, health club memberships, and other services, it often isn’t enough to help linemen lose enough weight to be healthy and many of them remain obese.

“Linemen are bigger, and in today’s world, rightly or wrongly, they are told to bulk up,” said Henry Buchwald, a specialist in bariatric surgery at the University of Minnesota. “Their eating habits are hard to shed when they stop playing, and when they get obese, they get exposed to diabetes, hypertension and cardiac problems.”