Respect Yourself: Nine "Pro Athletes" Who Are in Worse Shape Than You

Jeff  Greenwell by Correspondent Written on March 26, 2009

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If you've ever watched the NBA, NFL, NHL, etc., and dreamt about being a professional athlete, only to gently knead the giant mass of flesh that is your stomach and remember how you get winded answering the phone, well, cheer up. There is hope. For every pro athlete with a chiseled physique stemming from advanced training techniques, hours in the gym and a chef-prepared healthier than healthy diet, there exists the rare athlete that is wildly successful, in spite of their resemblance to the Michelin Man. So the next time you're staring at yourself in front of the mirror in only your tighty whiteys, remember, if these portly pro's can make it, why the hell can't you!?

Rich Garces

27 Feb 2000:  Pitcher Rich Garces #34 of the Boston Red Sox poses for a studio portrait during Spring Training Photo Day in Fort Myers, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Ezra O. Shaw  /Allsport

Career Stats: 23 Wins 10 Losses 7 Saves 296 K's 4.77 ERA (10 years)

Nickname: El Guapo (The Handsome One)

Unconfirmed Fact: Held responsible for single-handedly ruining four all-you-can-eat restaurants in the greater Boston area.

Oliver Miller

28 Feb 1997:  Center Oliver Miller of the Toronto Raptors stands on the court during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Los Angeles Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California.  The Clippers won the game 94-92. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn  /Al

Career Stats: 7.4 PPG 2.2 APG 5.9 RPG 1.5 Blocks (493 games)

Nickname: Big O

Unconfirmed Fact: Suprisingly, Miller is a strict vegetarian. However, everything he eats is deep fried and covered in chocolate

Butterbean

13 Feb 1999:  Butterbean looks down on Patrick Graham after he is knocked down into the ropes during the fight at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello  /Allsport

Career Stats: 90 Wins 17 Losses 5 Draws (63 KO's)

Nickname: King of the Four Rounders

Unconfirmed Fact: Of his 17 losses, eight were by decision, six were by TKO, and three were disqualifications after Butterbean ate his opponent...and the ref...and all 3 judges.

John Kruk

3 JUL 1994:  JOHN KRUK OF THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES DURING THE VISIT TO THE LOS ANGELES DODGERS AT DODGER STADIUM. Mandatory Credit: AL BELLO/ALLSPORT

Career Stats: .300 BA 100 HR 592 RBI 58 SB (10 Years)

Nickname: That Fat Guy with One Nut on the Phillies
(maybe)

Unconfirmed Fact: Tried to emulate Wade Boggs' chicken diet, only with Twinkies. After four months Kruk actually became Mr. Twinkie (complete with cowboy hat and lasso), thus embarking on a successful career in advertising.

Jared Lorenzen

SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 27:  Quarterback Jared Lorenzen #12 of the New York Giants warms up prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 27, 2005 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won 24-21.  (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Image

Career Stats: 4 Comp 8 Att 28 YDS 0 TD 58.3 QB Rating (Two Years)

Nickname: The Pillsbury Throwboy (one of many)

Unconfirmed Fact: While wearing a black jumpsuit, was mistaken for King Kong by New York Port Authority, and shot at by vintage WWII fighter planes from a nearby air show.

Turk Broda

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Career Stats: 302 Wins 224 Losses 101 Ties 2.53 GAA (629 Games)

Nickname: Turk

Unconfirmed Fact: Routinely called time-outs during games so he could eat pie...with pork chops.

Tony Stewart

LAS VEGAS - FEBRUARY 27:  Tony Stewart driver of the #14 Old Spice Chevrolet stands on pit road during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Shelby 427 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on February 27, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Photo by John Harrel

Career Stats: 33 Wins Two Series Championships (2002, 2005)
N
ickname: Smoke

Unconfirmed Fact: Is the only NASCAR driver who sits in the chassis and has the car body lowered onto him, then bolted into place.

William Perry

20 Aug 1991: Defensive lineman William Perry of the Chicago Bears looks on during a pre-season game.

Career Stats: 29.5 Sacks 5 Fumble Recoveries 506 Tackles (11 Years)

Nickname: The Refrigerator

Unconfirmed Fact: In the span of two weeks found a TV remote control, a can opener, three dead birds and a sewing kit in his arm folds.

John Daly

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Career Stats: Five Wins Two major championships (British Open & PGA)

Nickname: Long John

Unconfirmed Fact: Has been known to get sloppy drunk and pass out at Hooter's...actually this is a confirmed fact. Has gone from "Jovial Fat Guy on Tour" to "Pathetic Mess on Tour."

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written on March 26, 2009 Humor

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