How do football players get so big?

Question

I am not only talking about their height but their actual ‘frame’. It is hard to believe that genetics is the only factor. It seems somewhat impossible for ALL football players to have the same genetic ‘make up’. Are there any supplements (protein, creatine, etc..) that could boost that kind of human growth? I know that bodybuilding increases levels of testosterone. And yes, one can get ‘big’ by working out, but, not as big as a football player. I wonder if football players are subject to a special nutrition plan that enhances their growth. If so, which is it? Can anthropometry offer some answers? I’ve been lifting weights for about 21/2 years but I have not been able to achieve the kind of growth that football players experience. Obviously, I am not willing or want to mess with steroids. Any ideas?

Answer 1

ONLY big boys join football team
so it seems that all football players r big

Answer 2

Don't be so quick to dismiss the player's genetics. Even with the best diet, supplements and physical training, if it's not in the genes, the best a person can get is bigger musculature only to a point.

By the time a person ends his playing time in high school, his highth is pretty much what it will be. For some positions, around 6 ft. (or a little under) is adequate enough for later success. Once a player enters a college program, he is subjected to a much more rigorous regimine and, especially in the big-time college programs, you will see players bulk up.

But here's the thing: Those particularly HUGE players you see, go into the program larger than most people. To succeed in the program, they almost HAVE to be.

You know the old agdage about martial arts. "Size doesn't matter." Its about how a small expert in martial arts can defeat a much larger person. But what the adage leaves out is that a LARGE martial arts expert can beat the crud off of a small martial arts expert. Size does matter.

The players, who, because of the genetic advatage of being bigger, are more likely to succeed to the very limited number of spots in the professional level teams.

Out of the many, many thousands of people who play organized football, each year, it is only a few hundred who are in the NFL. Again, size matters, but only those big guys with the skills will succeed. What you efforts have yeilded may not be the frame of a lineman, but rather, the build of a receiver, or a kicker.

Answer 3

Genetics play a huge role. Why do you find it hard to believe that all football players have the 'huge' gene? Did you ever stop to think that people who are born big might be attracted to an occupation that suits their abilities? Some people, like me, are born skinny and have a very hard time gaining weight and muscle. Other people are born large and have an easier time building muscle and body mass.

Answer 4

Football players take a variety of protein shakes & vitamin along with a special diet and weight lifting & strict discipline

Answer 5

As like as basketball players are very tall men!
Obviously, for any sport you find the right and proper player.
In the background there are people who genetically were born with those particular (genetic) physical, while the sport itself often helps the change.

Answer 6

Alot of food and alot of training. Visit a college workout room or look up their weight lifting program online, it is intense.

Answer 7

Steroids, food, lifting weights, and plus they were big to begin with usually.

Answer 8

Get into martial arts and be fast and wirey. You'll never match their size and your skill will make you a better man. I don't like wasting a lot of time pumping iron.

Answer 9

They actually do specific workouts for their necks to prevent neck injuries. Also helmets aren't light and just wearing them builds up the neck muscles.

Answer 10

Genetics
Weight training

...and for some - steroids.