NFL star Nick Hardwick barely recognisable at retirement announcement

FOR 10 seasons, Nick Hardwick was a 135kg giant. When he announced his retirement this week, he was barely recognisable.

FOR 10 NFL seasons, Nick Hardwick was a giant 135kg offensive lineman with the San Diego Chargers.

But when he announced his retirement this week, he was barely recognisable.

Hardwick’s final season came to an end after just one game in September, when he succumbed to a neck injury.

While the writing was on the wall, he decided not to officially announce his retirement until after the Super Bowl.

In the meantime, he lost an incredible 38kg in just five months.

“It’s obvious when I was losing weight that this is where things were headed,” Hardwick said.

Nick Hardwick in January this year.

Nick Hardwick in September last year.

The Union Tribune described Hardwick’s retirement as “the worst kept secret in San Diego” adding he was now “more fit for a surfboard than shoulder pads. Not since college had the chisel-jawed centre been so slim”.

This is how he looked during this week’s press conference...

Best of luck to @hardwina in his retirement. Hard to believe he’s lost 85 pounds. pic.twitter.com/TdJKvJD1fs

— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) February 4, 2015

While many athletes struggle with weight gain after ending their playing careers, there has been a growing trend of American football players downsizing.

Alan Faneca was a 145kg offensive lineman who spent most of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After retiring in 2011, the 38-year-old has lost a mammoth 45kg — and last year completed the New Orleans marathon in a time of 3 hours and 56 minutes.

Alan Faneca in 2014.

Alan Faneca in 2010.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Brad Culpepper was 125kg in his playing days.

He dropped 36kg and later appeared on Survivor.

Brad Culpepper on Survivor in 2013.

Brad Culpepper in 1998.

Originally published as NFL star Nick Hardwick barely recognisable at retirement announcement