Don't Worry About Eddie Lacy's Weight

The Green Bay Packers took to the practice field earlier this week for the first round of organized team activities (OTA's) this year.  With that began the many updates on the team's players, both in terms of their on-field performance and participation to those recovering from injury.  Many fans wanted to immediately know if receiver Jordy Nelson was back to running his famous nine routes and hauling in deep balls from quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  Others were curious if receiver Ty Montgomery is finally able to take part in football-related drills.  Among those stories and headlines was running back Eddie Lacy.

Lacy followed up his first two seasons in which he hammered out over 1,000 yards per year and a total of 20 touchdowns, with just 758 yards and three touchdowns in 2015.  In looking at some of his numbers, it sticks out that Lacy's carries were down to 187 last year after tallying 284 and 246 in 2013 and 2014, respectively.  He also had fewer receptions than his previous two seasons and those combined will certainly lead to a lower rushing output.  But the "why" is more the issue.  We must first acknowledge that Lacy was dealing with an ankle injury last season and he never appeared to fully recover from that.  He also had a groin injury mid-season that surely didn't help.  The injuries get far buried, however, when the topic of Lacy's weight come up.

Lacy was reported to have weighed in this week in the 240's.  His reported weight at the end of last season was in the 260's.  We know that Lacy spent time with P90X founder Tony Horton immediately following the 2015 season and appeared to have dropped a noticeable amount of weight.  This was prompted by some very pointed comments made about Lacy by Packers head coach Mike McCarthy in his season-ending press conference.  The first impressions of Lacy at OTA's were varied from a guy who still looks a bit heavy to his looking much more slender than last season.  

One thing that Horton revealed about his time with Lacy is that the running back's diet was the major culprit of his weight issues.  Eating well takes some discipline and we all know this from the vast amount of fast food restaurants and inexpensive junk food that are easily accessible to us everywhere we turn.  Whether it's food or your drink of choice, if they're not managed appropriately, they are likely to lead to weight gain.  That was one example of Lacy's lack of discipline last season.  Another glaring example was Lacy's missing curfew the night before the team's game against the Detroit Lions.  It cost Lacy part of that game as he was benched from the start.  So how big of a concern is that in moving forward?

It's a valid question, given the examples above.  Some of the media has speculated that Lacy has put back on some of the weight he lost and that he needs someone around him at all times to hold him accountable.  A grown man?  That sounds like something only the Dallas Cowboys are crazy enough to do to solve a problem instead of just solving the problem itself.  Some of us may wish we had a little guy on our shoulder to tell us when we've made one too many trips to the buffet or need to cut back on the french fries, but we're also not playing a sport professionally whereby our livelihood depends on the physical shape we're in.  It's been said that Lacy doesn't eat, sleep and breathe the game of football.  It's not to the same level that the game is to guys like Adrian Peterson, Rodgers or Peyton Manning, for example.  But I'd also argue that it's hard to be effective unless a player at least loves playing football.

This is where I point to argue that Lacy will be fine in 2016.  His first two seasons show that he does enjoy the game.  We can speculate about his weight last season, but we don't know what else may have been going on in Lacy's life.  There's no arguing he wasn't the player that he had been and at a time when the entire offense was struggling and could have used "vintage Lacy".  In 2013 when Rodgers went down with a broken collarbone, it was Lacy that was most instrumental in keeping the team afloat until Rodgers returned.  He's capable of answering the bell and he appeared to take his benching last season and the comments about his weight in stride.  And, through his comments and when asked about his weight, he's at least showing us that he's motivated to make changes for the better and be better this season.  

It's a contract year for Lacy and at his age, there's reason for him to be looking for a big pay day after playing out his rookie year.  The Packers most certainly are taking a cautious approach and may not have decided yet whether they are more interested in bringing Lacy back than not.  They need to see him get through 2016 healthy and back to his old self.  They also need to see signs of the discipline that were missing last year.  If a young skill position player with tons of potential can't reel himself in and stay in playing shape, that says all we need to know about that player.  I'm not convinced that Lacy will fall into that category.

Some feel that Lacy needs to have a breakout, career season to warrant interest from the Packers in bringing him back.  That would be nice, but the answer probably lies somewhere between that and last year's numbers.  If Lacy can come in with over 1,000 yards and add in a touchdown total closer to his first two years than last year, there's reason to believe he could become part of the Packers' long-term plans.  Some have already decided that a running back in today's NFL isn't as important as it used to be and no team should waste their money on a back with a few years of pounding on the tires.  Especially a bigger back like Lacy who may start to show signs of decline due to the punishment he both takes and delivers on the field each week.  The Packers may agree with that, but we know that they like their guys and especially the ones who have proven to be productive regardless of the situation.  

The story on Lacy in Green Bay is just heating up.  We'll get more answers as the Packers head into training camp and the regular season but from the sounds and looks of things so far, Lacy appears to be headed on a better track.

 

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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts.  You can follow him on Twitter here

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Comments (29)

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EdsLaces's picture

May 27, 2016 at 06:10 am

I can do this..

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NickPerry's picture

May 27, 2016 at 06:40 am

I think Lacy will be just fine but the 5 weeks before TC will be a huge part of Lacys season before it even starts. If Lacys stays true to his new eating and drinking habits I think he'll stay ahead of it. Horton has invited Lacy to come and work with him for the 5 weeks before TC. Hopefully Lacy takes advantage of the offer, hell you could do a lot worse than 5 weeks in Los Angeles in the Summer Time. Horton wants to work with him like 3 days a week opposed to 6 or 7 like before. Take him up on it Eddie, stay away from Crawfish and Beer!!!

If Lacy reports and plays at 240 this year I think he could easily have 1500 yards and 12 TD's on the ground alone. The work he's been doing has improved both his quickness and his endurance, both will greatly benifit the Packers and Lacy.

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WKUPackFan's picture

May 27, 2016 at 06:57 am

Love Eddie, he seems like a great guy. Apologize for repeating from the previous Eddie story, but something had to be up with Eddie besides just ingesting unhealthy foods. Eddie seems to be an introspective, sensitive individual.

I believe Eddie had some psychological issues, and MM was understanding of this. Thus MM deflected the criticism during the season. Why MM decided to go public after the season is unclear.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

May 27, 2016 at 07:00 am

Probubly because sheltering Eddie had the wrong effect.

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WKUPackFan's picture

May 27, 2016 at 07:14 am

Protecting a person from unwarranted criticism regarding mental health issues is not sheltering. It is recognizing that a cascade of fat jokes most likely won't help the situation.

Perhaps MM and Eddie had a post-season conversation where MM said something to the effect of "we're here to support you, but I have to give the press something ". Or it could be a totally different situation. I admit to quite a bit of speculation on my part (slaps wrist).

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marpag1's picture

May 27, 2016 at 11:11 am

What exactly are these "mental health issues," and how do you know that they actually exist?

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4thand1's picture

May 27, 2016 at 02:51 pm

We need more rumors. Eddie was depressed because he can't choose what bathroom to use.

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marpag1's picture

May 27, 2016 at 05:05 pm

Yeah, but in fairness, when female reporters can stroll in and out of the men's locker room, I can see how a person might be confused. :)

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

May 27, 2016 at 06:59 am

I'm not worried about his wieght. I'm worried his lifestyle. Looks like he's changing that and if he keeps up with it the weight will take care of it's self.

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WKUPackFan's picture

May 27, 2016 at 07:03 am

Also, we may not want Eddie too slim. Listening to Brady Poppinga on Fox Sports Radio last weekend, he described how defenders are hesitant to confront big backs in the hole. Brandon Jacobs was Brady's example. One can imagine current defenders feel the same about Eddie.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

May 27, 2016 at 12:46 pm

I agree. Cannot understand the dislikes on this.

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4thand1's picture

May 27, 2016 at 02:52 pm

trolls

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 27, 2016 at 07:06 am

I think we are going to see Lacy at his best this season. Last year he came in out of shape. This year, he seems determined to come into the season in shape.

I'm looking forward to regaining that incredible balance on offense we have had for the last few years.

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MarkinMadison's picture

May 27, 2016 at 07:24 am

Straw man defined: "A sham argument set up to be defeated."

Example: "Some feel that Lacy needs to have a breakout, career season to warrant interest from the Packers in bringing him back."

It's all about the Benjamins. The Packers have a lot of lineman due up. #12 is in his 30s. He can't continue to be pounded the way he has been so far in his career. 305 sacks in his career, and that's with, what, three years sitting on the bench? Money is going to be spent. Who it gets spent on will depend on #1 how TT feels about each lineman going forward, and #2 with whatever is left over, whether Lacy's performance is worth the money Lacy is demanding.

I'm not worried about Lacy at all. There are bigger fish to fry. They are expected to average about 310 lbs. each. They are not supposed to carry the ball.

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ray nichkee's picture

May 27, 2016 at 07:26 am

Eddie will come through, I know it. I don't question his commitment. Up until my early 20's I ate whatever and how much I wanted and then all of a sudden I started putting on extra lbs. My metabolism changed for sure even though some of it was all that beer I drank. I think alot of people go through that.

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4thand1's picture

May 27, 2016 at 02:55 pm

My biggest concern is concussions. With everything that has come out, and is still coming out, is he willing to lower his head for a few extra yards? He has had 2 for sure, one was bad.

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Tundraboy's picture

May 27, 2016 at 08:01 am

All that really matters is, Is he in top playing shape this year and does he feels that he is? Not saying weight is not important or ignoring the obvious which is that he clearly had too much of the fat weight variety last year, as opposed to muscle weight, but to me its more about being in overall shape. A set number is deceiving and his attitude is just as important if not more so.

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Since'61's picture

May 27, 2016 at 08:12 am

Eddie has made good progress. As I mentioned in the article on Eddie earlier in the week, MM needs to tell him to reach his weight goal or he doesn't play. And if he needs help to do so between now and week 1 of the season it should be made available to him. No excuses about his weight going forward. Thanks, Since '61

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cuervo's picture

May 27, 2016 at 08:23 am

Hopefully he'll play well this year, but if I'm the GM there is no way I pay anything over 3mio/season for Lacy going forward. He is good complimentary piece to our offense. He isn't and never has been a "game changer". There are other, more important areas to spend money, and you can find decent backs easily (and that's all we have to have).
Nice guy, decent player, very overrated by GB fans.

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 27, 2016 at 08:34 am

I don't trust his commitment to the game but I trust he will try to earn a contract. Signing him to a new one is fine as long as the guaranteed money isn't over board.
I cannot but help that photo shop being easy to use is/was a part of his off season minimal slide show as his actual look didn't justify the photos to be untouched and thus flames the worry of truth of any verbage from him about commitment.
As to needing to shelter him from fat jokes or other stuff and needing a baby sitter..I call bs. The opportunity to make millions should enhance commitment not mandate empathy and protection via others because that should only inspire one internally and not be reliant upon it to the higher degree.
Self motivation allows/drives you to discard the crutches while lacking it makes addiction to your use and others to enable for no one's good.
Empathy is good in proper dosage only. : )

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Handsback's picture

May 27, 2016 at 10:33 am

Jason wrote a very good article, but I think he's missed a point that I would rather avoid. Lacy does have asthma and it acts up in cold weather. His injuries last season weren't severe, but accumulating into a much diminished Lacy from the first two seasons. You can point at the weight, but for Lacy's sake and he may be thinking this, he may need to play in a warmer climate to extend his career.
I don't see Lacy as a football junkie. I see him as using football as a means to an end. I think he was very hurt by the criticism from last year and realizes how tough it will be for him to take that next step. In order to do that, he may have to play in a warmer climate. Winning a SB would be nice, but an extended career may be what he's pointing for as an objective.
This is all speculation and I hope it's very wrong, but sometimes guys use football as a way to make their living until they can retire and do what's meaningful in their life.

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 27, 2016 at 11:42 am

The asthma thing didn't prevent him the first two seasons and certainly had nothing to do with his weight gain nor can the low level injury (s) be credited to it as diet even with restricted exercise would prevent such a ' blowup '. Weight gain like that comes from dedication to idleness, lack of commitment and given cover ups, McCarthy, all preseason and season long and the curfew incident showed disdain even still to his commitment. Time will tell but hopefully McCarthy doesn't take too long to accept what may clearly be a ' big ' issue for the team and Lacy second and do the right thing.

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jasonperone's picture

May 27, 2016 at 03:35 pm

Like Taryn says it wasn't an issue in years 1 & 2 and that last game in AZ had nothing to do with the weather. In fact, those with asthma fare better in dry climates. He let himself get too big

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marpag1's picture

May 27, 2016 at 11:43 am

Well, I guess I'll just say that this article didn't make the sale with me.

We all agree that Lacy was terribly overweight by NFL RB standards. We all agree that it seriously impacted his performance. Surely we all agree that there are plenty of players - even some very good players - who "ate themselves out of the league." They threw away promising careers and probably tons of money simply because they could not push away from the table.

The fact that somebody likes football does NOT mean that he can resist wolfing down a dozen Dunkin donuts during his commute to the stadium. Let's just say that Eddie truly loves football (even though that seems doubtful). How doubtful is it that Eddie also loves food? And do we have any idea which one he loves more?

It's logical to say that no sane-minded person would throw away an NFL career for food. And yet it happens because people aren't logical, and their actions do not always make sense.

Until I see something more than a two-month crash diet - that may or my not last - you're dang right that I'm going to worry about his weight.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

May 27, 2016 at 11:46 am

Maybe Blake Martinez can rub off on Lacy and his diet will get even better than it is after losing 20-pounds.

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4EVER's picture

May 27, 2016 at 12:01 pm

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tm_inter's picture

May 27, 2016 at 07:56 pm

Lacy weighed 231 at the 2013 Combine. I believe that's the Lacy that TT drafted. Ballooning to 260 last year was simply irresponsible on Lacy's part. The running back coach was also to blame for Lacy's lack of weight control. Maybe that's why we've had a change of running back coach.

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lucky953's picture

May 28, 2016 at 12:41 am

He's no effin all Pro RB. I think he'll retire early with his money (i.e.. one more overpaid contract). Good on him! He's a half-hearted talented guy who is gonna eat himself out of the league. Take the good contract year coming up and cut him loose for a compensatory pick. With Nelson coming back, Cook down the middle, and a freakin' awesome OL, he should have a very productive year. He doesn't have the passion to endure the constant punishment. He'll never carry the team. So what? Hey! Not all RBs do. See ya Eddie!

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BamaPackFan's picture

May 28, 2016 at 11:41 am

Lacy is not the average disposable back. He can force a change in the defense when at his best. He can still beat a stacked box and he opens up a hole somewhere on the field. Lacy is a special back with great feet for such a big man. I love his power, but his elusiveness is under rated too. I hope he gets into great shape and we take advantage of what he offers.

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