Even former athletes can fall victim to the war on pudge after their playing days are behind them. Former Detroit Lions Scott Mitchell and Damien Woody will be contestants on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” this fall.
Mitchell is a former quarterback who spent 11 seasons in the NFL. His current occupation is as a bill collector in Utah, and his starting weight is 366 pounds.
His biggest motivation for going on the show was seeing his dad die of obesity-related causes early this year and knowing he could be headed down the same path if he doesn’t change his life. Now 46 years old and 366 pounds, Mitchell has sleep apnea and high blood pressure. Weight has been an issue since age 35 due to a busy life and poor diet. With five kids ranging in age from 11 to 21, he wants to be there for his family and is ready to embrace a healthy lifestyle. When he loses the weight, he says he wants to look amazing in clothes and be physically active.
Damien Woody, was an offensive lineman for 12 years in the NFL. His playing weight was over 300 pounds. Currently he’s an analyst for ESPN and his current weight is 388 pounds.
Since retiring from football in 2010, less activity and the passing of his mother and grandfather in the past three years all contributed to additional weight gain. Now 36 years old, 388 pounds and married to his high school sweetheart, Woody struggles to keep up with his four daughters and three sons, ranging in age from two to 15. He came on the show to regain his health and sees it as an opportunity to compete not only against others, but also himself. He has lost friends he played with in the NFL far too young, and he doesn’t want to be another statistic and former NFL player gone too soon due to weight-related issues. Once he loses the weight, Woody looks forward to living a long healthy life with his wife and kids and also looks forward to clothes shopping at other places besides Big & Tall stores.
