Wide Bodies Through NFL History

SI Staff | Apr 3, 2013

Wide Bodies Through NFL History /

Wide Bodies Through NFL History

William "The Refrigerator" Perry

Andrew D. Bernstein, Bill Smith/Getty Images

Do you really need to read more when Perry's nickname is "The Refrigerator?" The Fridge phenomenon took off during the Bears' Super Bowl XX run, but he was only about 310 pounds at the time. Just a few years later, Perry led coach Mike Ditka to be concerned when he reported to camp at 377 pounds (and this after having reportedly been at around 420 in the offseason). Perry has dealt with a number of health issues, some related to his weight, since leaving the NFL in 1994.

Nate Newton

Newton has found a new lease on life in more than one way. He's living the straight and narrow after serving 32 months in jail on drug charges. He's also down to 220 pounds after getting as heavy as 400 (though during his playing days he was mostly around 325-350 pounds). How'd he do it? A "vertical gastrectomy" procedure that has left Newton sometimes unable to recognize himself in the mirror. The only downside: "I don't get discounts anymore because nobody recognizes me until they see my credit card."

Gilbert Brown

His nickname was The Gravedigger, but Brown was more known for the "Gilbertburger" during his 10 seasons with the Packers. Brown, who was listed at 345 pounds but was thought to be as heavy as 375 at times, was known for regularly ordering a Triple Whopper with extra everything from a local Burger King. So much so, in fact, that Wisconsin-area Burger King restaurants began to offer the "Gilbertburger" on the menu as a promotion.

Aaron Gibson

Here he is, the record-holder for the heaviest player in the history of the NFL. At 410 pounds, Gibson actually slimmed down for the NFL; he reportedly weighed in at 440 pounds in high school. As a freshman in college, Gibson played fullback, and still weighed 260 pounds. His weight wasn't enough to scare off teams, as the Lions tabbed Gibson with the 27th overall pick in 1999. The tackle only wound up playing in 38 career games, though, latching on with four teams in eight seasons.

Ted Washington

Often called "Mount Washington," "Washington Monument" or "Big Ted," Washington was a highly feared nose tackle in his prime, mostly because of his 375-pound size. Unlike other oversized NFL players, Washington had a long, successful career; he was selected to four Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl XXXVIII with the Patriots.

Grady Jackson

The 345-pound tackle battled weight problems throughout his 13-year career, but fell into a hole during his two stints with Atlanta. First he sued the team in 2007 for defamation by releasing his medical records after reports of a heart condition surfaced. After spending the '07 season with the Jaguars, Jackson returned to the Falcons for '08, only to face suspension for failing a drug test. Turns out, he took a weight loss supplement that contained a banned diuretic. At least he was making an effort to lower his weight.

Max Jean-Gilles

Jean-Gilles is believed to be the first active NFL player to ever get lap-band surgery, something the lineman believes was necessary. "I thought there was no way I could live like this," he said in 2010 following the procedure. Jean-Gilles says that his weight at one point reached around 400 pounds, but the surgery and post-procedure training got him down to 345. That 2010 season was the last he'd play in the NFL, however.

Shaun Rogers

Rogers is a three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, but what could have been had he kept his weight better in check? Issues with his size have followed Rogers throughout his career. His reputation for ballooning, and subsequently falling off, late in the season directly led to the Lions and, later, the Browns to get rid of him. Rogers has a reputation for great athleticism despite his size, which typically hovers around 350, but it hasn't been enough for him to find a longtime home and consistent production.

Leonard Davis

It's hard to believe that in 2007, the 366-pound guard was the highest paid player in the NFL. Davis signed a seven-year, $49.6 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys, which included an $18.75 million signing bonus, giving him a total of $25.4 million in 2007. However, Davis was released from the Cowboys in 2010, and he's played with the Lions and 49ers in the seasons since. Now down to 350, Davis is currently a free agent, and still rocking out as the bassist in the heavy metal band <italics>Free Reign</italics>.

Andre Smith

The 335-pound offensive lineman had a standout career at Alabama, and entered the 2009 NFL Draft as one of the top run-blocking tackles and a potential No. 1 pick. However, Smith showed up at the combine that year appearing rather out of shape; furthermore, he ducked out of the combine workouts early, claiming he wanted to prepare for Alabama's Pro Day. He was eventually drafted sixth overall by the Bengals, who put a clause in his contract mandating that he stay below 350 pounds. Smith became a free agent after the 2012 season, and he has yet to land a new contract.

Published Apr 3, 2013

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