Sebastian Vollmer spent his NFL career eating like his job depended on it, because it did. As a New England Patriots offensive tackle, Vollmer was expected to tip the scales at 320 to 340 pounds. That meant endless breakfast sandwiches, shakes, and olive oil shots to stay big enough to protect Tom Brady, according to The Athletic.
But when his playing days ended, the weight came at a cost. Vollmer’s knees ached, his hips hurt, and he was recovering from multiple surgeries. Then came his turning point: his wife, Lindsey, was pregnant with their first child. Vollmer didn’t want to feel unhealthy with a baby on the way, he told The Athletic.
That motivation lit a new fire. Vollmer set a goal, to lose 85 pounds, and applied the same discipline that carried him through seven NFL seasons.
Inside the Game Plan That Helped Sebastian Vollmer Drop 85 Pounds
According to The Athletic, Vollmer started by writing his target weight on a sticky note and posting it on his mirror. He broke his goal into manageable steps, two pounds per week, and focused on consistency over intensity.
He also leaned on lessons from Patriots team dietitian Ted Harper, cutting out dairy after learning it caused inflammation. It’s about momentum, Vollmer explained to The Athletic. “Having the goals, but then doing it right away,” he said.
3 Habits You Can Steal from Vollmer’s Weight-Loss Playbook
Vollmer’s transformation wasn’t about shortcuts—it was built on sweat, structure, and daily wins. He ditched quick fixes for consistency. Here’s how to use the same playbook to rebuild your body and mind.
- Make goals visible. Post your target where you’ll see it often—mirror, fridge, or phone lock screen.
- Prep before bed. Set out your gear and plan your workout the night before. The Lululemon License to Train Short Sleeve Shirt keeps you cool and ready to train, no excuses.
- Build small wins. Losing two pounds a week or adding one more workout is sustainable progress. A sturdy pair of sweat-proof earbuds, like Powerbeats Pro 2 by Beats, can help you stay motivated through every set.
- Lift heavy to boost your metabolism. Adding just two to three lifting sessions a week can help you build lean muscle and speed up fat loss, according to 2022 research.
- Find an accountability partner. Vollmer had teammates—now you need someone who won’t let you slack. And when you’re training solo, stream Braveheart fight scenes on your garage door or basement wall with the Hisense M2 Pro Triple-Laser Smart Projector. Nothing fuels a lift like a battle cry.
Nine months later, Vollmer was 85 pounds lighter and back in control. His advice? Treat your health like game day, every single day.
