Football is a past-time that has engulfed the majority of the United States’ population for over a century. It includes gargantuan men delivering powerful hits and athletic feats the average human could only dream of. However, in order to become successful in the current age of football, one must follow a body practice that involves massive amounts of weight gain.
It seems the mantra of every football coach, regardless of level, is “bigger is better”. As such, the average lineman in a top high school programs weighs 232 pounds and the average NFL lineman is 30 pounds heavier than 20 years ago. When one examines the sport, this makes sense. The team that hits hardest and moves the opposing team more will develop a competitive advantage and be more likely to succeed. The only way this can be accomplished is by being bigger and stronger than every other team.
I played football in high school, and I remember my own coaches preaching the idea of “bigger.” My running back coach, in particular, tried to convince me that I should gain “at least 45 pounds by [my] senior year” in order to start for the team and become a “force on the field”. Throughout my four years in this environment weight gain was praxis for success. Reflecting on this, the constant emphasis on weight gain is troublesome. No kid should be pressured by an adult to put on 40 or 50 pounds in order to remain “competitive.” These coaches were merely forming us into “docile bodies.” By constantly stating how the best linemen weigh 300 pounds they formed an ideal body in our minds that became a goal, and once met, they would be pleased with our progression and allow us play. We eagerly went along with their plans for our bodies.
It is unfortunate that the culture of the sport has evolved into one that places so much emphasis on size. Is it necessary for kids to weigh 200+ pounds and face a lifetime of health risks for the sake of securing a win?
I ran cross country -- and there was an underlying rule that you dont talk about weight. Sure, everyone knew efficiency comes with less weight to carry -- but a coach would NEVER say anything to a female runner. [In my experiences, anyways.]
ReplyDeleteI had never really considered the opposite -- gaining weight. Did any other sport coaches put this pressure on you or teammates?!
And I wonder if it is more acceptable to tell kids to GAIn weight, rather than lose. Or if, because they were dealing with boys, they felt the issue wasn't a big deal.
Thanks. Interesting.