‘Doesn’t seem real’ – Former NFL eighth overall pick unrecognizable after shedding 200lbs on The Biggest Loser
A former NFL star has left fans impressed after a remarkable weight loss journey.
Antone Davis weighed in at nearly a 500lbs when he retired from the NFL in 1997 but has gone on to shed over 200lbs and the results are astonishing.
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Davis began his NFL journey in 1991 when he entered the draft as a unanimous All-American out of the University of Tennessee.
The Philadelphia Eagles used their No.8 pick in the draft to pick the offensive tackle.
At the time he was 6-foot-4 and weighed only 327 lbs.
His time in the NFL would end up being short-lived, playing just seven seasons as a result of injuries.
READ MORE NFLIn 1997 he retired and went into business, working in real estate and opening restaurants.
However, it was at this point that his weight began to increase.
“It turns out I’m just by nature a stress eater,” Davis said in 2012.
“If I have things that are not going well, I turn to some type of comfort food. I think being a stress eater in a restaurant that’s not doing well is the recipe for disaster.”
After a career as an NFL big man on the offensive line for the Eagles – he was left stunned after stepping onto the scales and seeing his weight at a stunning 447lb, sparking an immediate reflection.
“So here I am the heaviest guy, and the oldest guy, and I’m not dead yet,” Davis added.
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During six months of intense training Davis lost over 200lbsCredit: Getty
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Davis’ after picture of his weight loss is stunningCredit: Getty”I think it was just a reality check. If you don’t do something, you are going to die. There are no ifs, ands or buts.”
This moment spurred Davis to go on The Biggest Loser show in 2011, a program that looks to transform the lives of obese people.
It sees them train and compete to win a cash prize, awarded to the person who loses the highest percentage of weight relative to their initial weight.
In the span of six months on the show, the former Eagles and Atlanta Falcons tackle dropped a remarkable 245lbs.
“I came in with high blood pressure, and now I have no issues with blood pressure,” Davis said.
“High risk for stroke, and I have no risk for stroke. No more than any average person. You name it. The elements are gone. I’m just able to do things. It was almost like it opened up a whole new world.
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“I’m able to fit into clothes that I couldn’t fit in since I was 14 years old. It still doesn’t seem real, but it absolutely is real.”
He admitted that he’s gained some weight back after the show but is still in very good shape.
“I don’t think anyone is able to keep their finale weight,” Davis said.
“It’s an unrealistic weight at that point. I’ve gained some weight back, but I’m still in great shape. I’m able to do a lot more things.
“I’m still very active. And I can tell you I’m in a much better place than I was before going on the show. I feel great.”
In 2012, Davis went back to the University of Tennesse and spent five years there as the Vol for Life (VFL) Coordinator for the school’s football program.
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Davis was drafted by the Eagles in 1991Credit: GettyThe role saw him help students who are not able to make career as a professional athlete.
“Life experiences let me know that this is a job that would fit my personality,” Davis said.
“It’s something I knew I would be good at. My goal with the program is to just grow it, become a program that really helps these players.
“We focus on football, but we also know that there’s life after ball and so my main goal is to make sure these players are prepared for life after football and they’re able to go out and get great jobs, not just an okay job cutting grass.”
Davis has a son looking to make a career as a professional athlete himself.
Read More on talkSPORTBranden Davis plays for Syracuse Orange as a quarterback-turned-wide-receiver but didn’t receive any minutes in 2024.
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