Mike Golic, Sr., a former NFL player and a well-known figure in sports media, particularly for his role in the long-running ESPN morning show Mike & Mike, has a story that extends beyond the football field and the broadcasting booth. It's a story of taking control of his health, inspired by family and driven by a desire for a better future. This article delves into Golic's weight loss journey, exploring the challenges faced by former NFL players, the importance of seeking medical advice, and the lifestyle changes that can lead to lasting success.
The Weight Struggle After Football
The transition from the rigorous demands of professional football to retirement often presents unique health challenges for players. The intense training regimens and high caloric intake required to maintain playing weight can lead to unhealthy habits that persist long after their careers end. Many former NFL players struggle with weight gain and obesity, which can lead to serious health complications.
The NFL Alumni Association has recognized this issue and launched the "Huddle Up: Let's Talk Obesity" campaign to educate former players about the dangers of obesity and the importance of taking control of their health. A survey of over 1,200 NFL Alumni revealed that 52% were obese, yet only 10% considered themselves to be. This disconnect highlights the need for increased awareness and education.
Former players may not want to talk to a doctor. As Mike Golic said, “We spend a life of not wanting to go to the doctor but having to go to the doctor. And when we go to the doctor, we tell them something doesn’t hurt when it really does. That was our life. … We’re used to lying to get onto the field, and we also have to go see the doctor, it’s required, to go play. Now, you have to do things for yourself.”
Obesity: A Complex Issue
Obesity in adults is defined by the Center for Disease Control as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, with severe obesity defined as a BMI of 40 or more. CDC data from 2017-18 indicated that 42.4% of adults aged 20 and over were considered obese.
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Bart Oates, president of the NFL Alumni Association, emphasizes that obesity is not solely about diet and exercise. Genetics, stress, and sleep also play significant roles. He encourages retired players to take advantage of the free primary care available to them and to prioritize regular checkups and bloodwork.
Oates also stresses the importance of erasing the stigma associated with discussing obesity. Weight gain can be a sensitive topic, especially for men who were once praised for their physical condition. The "Huddle Up" campaign aims to create a supportive environment where former players can openly discuss their struggles and seek help without embarrassment.
Mike Golic's Wake-Up Call
For Mike Golic, the turning point came with a diagnosis of Type-2 diabetes, a condition his father also had. This realization, coupled with the desire to be healthy enough to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding, motivated him to make significant changes.
"I didn't want to see another weight or another treadmill or another bike, but unfortunately we keep eating at a bad rate," Golic said. "That's something we need to be more educated on is when you finish playing because we need all those calories when we're playing."
Golic's wife, Christine, played a crucial role by removing junk food from their home. He also benefitted from a partnership with Nutrisystem, a sponsor of his radio show, which helped him learn about portion control.
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The Importance of Portion Control and Education
One of the key lessons Golic learned was the importance of portion control. Consuming 5,000 calories a day might be necessary during NFL training, but it's unsustainable and unhealthy in retirement. Golic realized he was overeating and needed to adjust his intake to match his reduced activity level.
This education extended to his sons, Mike Jr. and Jake, both of whom had played college football. Mike Jr. went from 310 pounds to 240-250 pounds, while Jake dropped from 250 pounds to 210-215 pounds.
Adapting Workouts for a New Lifestyle
Golic also recognized the need to change his workout routine. After 12 surgeries, he was no longer interested in heavy weightlifting. Instead, he focused on staying active through activities like walking the dog and incorporating lighter exercises with higher repetitions.
Bart Oates echoed this sentiment, noting that he had to lighten up and increase the repetitions and sets to create an aerobic burn while working out.
Many players get caught up in doing what they’ve always done. As Michael Dean Perry said of working out after retirement, “I’m still trying to do things from when I was 24, 25 years old. And talking to some of the professionals from the wellness seminar I took part in, they said, ‘You have to get out of that mindset of football. This is the real reality, I know you’re not used to it, but this is the real reality.’ I had to decompress myself and change my life and how I approached and went about life.”
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Embracing a New Identity
Part of the challenge for retired players is accepting a new version of themselves. So much of their identity had been tied to being big and strong that a leaner physique can be difficult to embrace.
As Oates said, “You’re big and you like being big. There’s an empowerment to it. Football, it’s a bully game. In the interior line, it’s about who’s the biggest bully, and I can bully you. The bigger you are the easier it is to bully so there is a mentality to it so you have to be able to reconcile that.”
Golic, however, embraced his new weight, stating that he was in the best shape of his life and felt great. He also found inspiration in the positive feedback he received from fans who were motivated by his weight loss journey.
Using Technology for Diabetes Management
Golic has teamed up with LifeScan for their "Talking Type You" campaign, which encourages open conversations about managing type 2 diabetes and empowers people to create personalized management plans.
For his own plan, Golic uses a tech-based approach centering around OneTouch Solutions, a digital platform that offers various health and wellness programs. These programs provide strategies for nutrition, weight, fitness, and glucose management. Golic can pair his glucose meter to the programs and send data directly to his healthcare team through the OneTouch Reveal app.
He uses the data from his devices to identify trends and make informed decisions about his diet and exercise. He also emphasizes the importance of regular communication with his doctor, who receives his blood sugar numbers directly.
The Importance of Seeking Help and Support
Golic stresses the importance of seeking help and support from healthcare professionals, family, and friends. He views his doctor as his "head coach" and his loved ones as his "teammates." He encourages others to be open about their journeys and to learn from each other's experiences.
"My biggest message: look for the help. There are so many places you can find answers," he said.
Other Examples of Weight Loss Transformations
Mike Golic is not alone in his weight loss journey. Several other former NFL players have also shared their stories of transformation, including:
- Michael Dean Perry: The former defensive tackle was stunned to be classified as obese after retirement and has since worked to regain his health through portion control and exercise.
- Vince Wilfork: The former defensive tackle has lost about 80 pounds since retiring by focusing on portion control and staying hydrated.
- Joe Thomas: The former offensive tackle told ESPN a typical day of eating during his playing days might have included eight eggs, three pancakes, pasta, meatballs, two protein shakes, an entire pizza, a sleeve of cookies, and a bowl of ice cream.
- Antone Davis
- Nate Newton
- Geoff Schwartz
- Russell Okung: Okung last played in 2020. "Trophies, accolades, I wanted it all," Okung said. "I would soon find out it was all empty. It didn't matter. It was nothing. I didn't have a relationship with my wife, with my children. I didn't even know who I was. So I prayed. I asked for guidance, for wisdom. And it came to me. I knew at that very moment, there was one answer: fasting. Long-term, water-only fasting.
These stories demonstrate that weight loss is possible with dedication, education, and support.
Golic's Early Life and Football Career
Michael Louis “Mike” Golic, Sr. was born on December 12, 1962, in Willowick, OH, to parents Bob and Dorothy. He is the youngest of three brothers. Football runs deep in the Golic family, with his father playing in the Canadian Football League and his older brother, Bob, being a three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle.
Golic attended St. Joseph High School in Cleveland, OH, where he excelled in both football and wrestling. He went on to play college football at the University of Notre Dame from 1981 to 1984, majoring in finance and management.
In 1985, the Houston Oilers selected Golic as the 255th overall pick in the NFL Draft. He played for the Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami Dolphins during his nine-year NFL career.
Broadcasting Career
After retiring from the NFL, Golic transitioned into a successful broadcasting career. He joined ESPN in 1995 and provided color commentary for AFL and college football games. He is best known for co-hosting the Mike & Mike show with Mike Greenberg from 2000 to 2017.Golic has always been interested in competitive eating. "I'm no stranger to mass quantities of food," says Golic, "but I am a stranger to the speed I would have to eat [in the contest.]"