It's not all fun and games with Rex and Rob Ryan. While the affable brothers are known for their jokes and trash talk, they too have unique personal struggles. Specifically, their incredible weight loss.
In a recent interview with the Dallas Morning News, Rob Ryan spoke at length about his heavier days and what he's done to control his cravings.
Ryan was north of 300 pounds during 2011, his first year as the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator. He worked long hours in a stressful position, and did not exercise much restraint. He would oftentimes stop at a burger joint after leaving the Cowboys' facility late at night. And when he wasn't eating burgers, he was munching on other junk food, like pizza.
"I can eat an entire pizza, easy," Ryan said. "Not in an eating contest. I can just do it."
But as Ryan noted, perhaps more dangerous than his meals were his snacks. He snacked constantly, and once he even spent $70 on chocolate and assorted candy. Ryan, who weighed in at 170 during his college days at Southwestern Oklahoma State, was never ashamed of his larger figure.
"He will still take off his shirt and strut on the beach at 320 pounds like he did when he was 220 pounds," said Rob's wife, Kristin. "I’ll say, ‘Do you want to put your shirt on, honey?' and he’ll say, 'No, I’m fine.' He’s always been like that. No shame. That’s how I am."
Rex Ryan, also noted for his love of food, had lap-band surgery in 2010 and recommended the procedure to his brother.
Rob initially rejected his brother's suggestion, hoping he could lose weight on his own. But earlier this year, his breathing became heavier and he even had trouble sleeping. He knew it was time for a change. Finally, Rob had lap-band surgery in February, and since then he's lost 55 pounds. He says he feels much better, and he doesn't miss his former vices.
"I was living to eat," Ryan said. "Now, I’m eating to live. That’s what they tell you and … it ends up happening."
For the full story, see here.
(H/T to Deadspin)
