Russell Okung reveals the crazy way he lost over 100 lbs.
Former NFL star Russell Okung is a shadow of his former self. Literally. The offensive lineman lost about one-third of his body weight in an unusual way.
Okung shared his secret to dropping 100 pounds with his 260,000 Twitter followers this week. It sounds easy, but it’s probably difficult to do. Russell Okung says he lost the weight by doing a 40-day water fast.
Okung wrote: “the journey from being a 330+ lbs NFL football player to 100+ lbs lighter – has been unreal! A new me, a new chapter. The number one question I keep hearing is: “how did you do it?
“Answer: I fasted for 40 days with nothing but water. Yes, you read right! The experience was so rich and rewarding that I’m going to do it again…”
It’s not unusual to see NFL players, especially linemen, lose a chunk of their competitive weight. Most bodies aren’t built to carry 300-plus pounds for a lifetime. The average NFL offensive lineman will consume up to 6,500 calories a day to maintain his weight during the season.
Now imagine consuming only water for an extended period of time. Russell Okung wrote: “fasting isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about regeneration, healing & self-discovery. In quieting my physical hunger, I unlocked mental clarity and spiritual revelation. A total reset.
“As an elite athlete, I was always told to eat big, stay strong. I never questioned it,” Okung said. “But breaking away, embracing fasting, it changed everything. I’m not just lighter in weight; I’m lighter in spirit. Fasting isn’t for everyone, I get that. But for me, it was a life-changer. The benefits are profound. Clearer skin, better digestion, improved mental focus, even my joint pain has decreased.”
College recruiting services dropped Russell Okung because of size
Russell Okung’s backstory is an interesting twist to all this. He grew up in Houston and starred at George Bush High School. However, college recruiting services only rated him as a three star prospect. At 250 pounds, he didn’t have an ideal body size. Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy, who loves to recruit Houston, signed Okung. He gained weight and eventually became a unanimous All-American. The Seahawks selected him with the sixth pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. He also played for the Broncos, Chargers and Panthers.
Russell Okung started representing himself in contract negotiations. Before his career concluded, he created a foundation to connect teenagers with the tech sector. And in 2020, he became one of the first NFL players to ask to be paid in Bitcoin. So his unique approach to weight loss isn’t surprising.
“My journey hasn’t been just about shedding pounds,” Russell Okung wrote. “it’s also been about shedding old habits and old ways of thinking. Fasting opened a door to a healthier, happier me. It gave me control back.
“Today, I stand before you – changed, empowered and inspired. Whether you’re considering fasting, or just looking to change your life, remember: The first day is always the hardest. Follow along and learn more as I embark on the next journey.”