The 300-Pound NFL Lineman Becoming More Common

Since 1970. the number of 300-pound linemen in the NFL has increased dramatically.

From a single player (Gene Ferguson of the Chargers) in 1970, to three in 1980, 94 in 1990, 301 in 2000 and 394 in 2009 [via].

It seems more normal today to see a lineman topping the 300-lb range but I can remember growing up and seeing players like William “Refrigerator” Perry for their size as much as their play.

This year sees a record 532 players head into NFL training camps topping the 300-pound range. A few players have even inched near the 400-pound range.

It’s hard to imagine a 350-lb man keeping in shape to perform for a sport but that’s exactly what teams have to make sure happens. Whether the players come by that size legitimately or by the use of performance enhancing drugs remains a hot topic in the NFL.

The Steelers won all four of their 1970s Super Bowls without a single 300-pounder on the roster. By 1990, they had four.

The Colts and Saints – last year’s Super Bowl teams – combined for 10 players on this year’s preseason roster at 330 pounds or heavier.

William ” The Fridge” William Perry scores a Super Bowl TD