The annual NFL coaches’ photo became a topic of conversation this time, with plenty of details to analyze. While much attention was given to some of the surprises in the image, like the seating arrangement of Jim Harbaugh next to Pete Carroll; Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman decided to focus on the impressive physical condition of Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Detroit Lions. At nearly 50 years old, Campbell maintains such an imposing physique that it surprises everyone, including his younger colleagues.
Dan Campbell himself spoke about his workout routine and how he keeps his physique in top shape. “I have a small gym at home where I train. But I also do intense strength workouts in the shower. It’s liberating,” the coach shared. Despite his rigorous routine, Campbell avoids working out at the team facilities for fear of being teased by the players. However, his effort did not go unnoticed. Julian Edelman commented that Campbell “looks spectacular,” while Gronkowski went even further, saying, “He looks like a linebacker, kind of a defensive end and linebacker combined.”
Gronkowski’s comparison makes sense, as Campbell, who played 10 years as a tight end in the NFL, still maintains his imposing physique. During his playing days, he stood at 6’5″ (1.96 m) and weighed 265 pounds (120 kg). Gronkowski, upon seeing him, described him as the only coach who could intimidate Edelman in a potential fight with Mike Vrabel. “He’s the only coach that would scare Edelman in a fight against Mike Vrabel,” Gronkowski said, highlighting Campbell’s physical strength.
The new physique of NFL Coaches
As the NFL has become more offense-oriented, coaches have followed suit, adopting a more athletic mindset. However, Rob Gronkowski expressed his displeasure with this trend. “You know what’s disappointing? These coaches are starting to get in shape. It looks like they’ve been training with the players… like they’re going to lift weights… We need coaches to gain their weight back… when they’re fat and overweight, it means they’re the best,” Gronkowski said, lamenting that coaches are losing the corpulent figure that once defined them.
In the same vein, Dan “Big Cat” Katz from Barstool Sports also expressed his frustration with the change in direction in the NFL. “My only problem is that this is the direction the league is going… I don’t want the whole league to become a club of attractive guys,” he wrote on his blog, lamenting the disappearance of the bulkier coaches that once gave the league its character.
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