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Too Big for Football?

A question from Caleb, an aspiring football player:

I'm 5' 8" and weigh 220. I haven't played a sport since 5th grade baseball, but have been in the marching band for 3 years. I've played one year of football in 4th grade. Can someone who's a little overweight and not in too good of shape still play football?

Answer: Sure someone your size can play football even though you may be somewhat over weight. Big guys like you always have a place in the game of football.

Last year, for example, in our recreational football program we had two boys age 13 who were about your height and weighed over 200 pounds. They played all season in our program and made great strides in their development. When they get to high school, the coach is going to be really glad to see them. You can do the same thing. Make sure to see a doctor and have a sports physical. Tell your doctor that you intend to play football and ask him for suggestions for conditioning routines that you can begin working on right away. Make sure you eat properly, avoid too much junk food and stick to the recommended conditioning activities. If you really want to play, you can!