A Girl on the Offensive Line?

KP, steubenville, ohio — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:23:53 GMT

I'm sorry, and parent that allows thier child (male or female) to be that grosly overweight needs thier head examined. She is not even healthy, for a 17 yr old. You can be a football player and be healthy at the same time. What will she look like 10 years from now? I am a parent of son and daughters and IF my daughter wanted to play football then more power to her, but she will be fit,offensive guard or not. I have seen Holly play last year in the championship game in Ohio, and did not impress any of us.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

ftlrico, Mayfield, KY. — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:54:37 GMT

She is an OBESE, FAT PIG!! What happened to the stories about our youth being over-weight?? Her whole family is normal "weight-proportioned"! They let her eat Twinkies for a standard meal, or what??

TOTALLY DISGUSTING!!

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Linda Frank, Des Moines, Ia. — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:55:36 GMT

I don't understand why you would highlight a situation where this girl is grossly obese. It seems that having her on the show you are making it appear as an approval for her obesity. If she were a normal weight I doubt that she would be on a football team.
Shame on her parents and brother for encouraging this obesity.

Hopefully this gal will realize how her obesity is a major health risk.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

fiona, richmond, va — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:57:40 GMT

Just wanted to note that whilst it's wonderful for anyone, boy or girl to do well at a sport - why has nobody mentioned that this girl is grossly overweight (she could be faster if she wasn't) and her own reference to being a "big" person could have been followed up by a gentle question from Meridith as to her health.....which will not be good if she continues at 315lbs! it's about time people stopped being politically correct and really started caring about the alarming number of high school students who are morbidly obese.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Citigirl in Dayton — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:01:08 GMT

This is really a sad excuse for human interest news. This young woman is not even close to the caliber of athlete that plays for Alter High School. She is grossly overweight, out of shape and simply uses her brothers name to gain notoriety. She should lose some weight, get FIT and then try and play with the Alter boys. It is a shame that the Today show would even consider this young womans story of interest.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Deb,Fort Dodge<IA — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:13:19 GMT

I agree with some of the other comments about Holly being over weight. But obviously she is capable of competing on the football team-otherwise she wouldnt have made the team in the first place. What I wanted to comment about is the fact that Today has no clue that there actually is a professional women's football league here in the United States. It is called the IWFL-Independant Women's Football League. Holly would be a dominating player in a that league if she so chose to persue football after her schooling.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Julie, Harmony RI — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:30:50 GMT

You go Holly! Weight issues or not, I think it is fantastic that you are playing football. Practice hard, condition and play hard. If you do that you will see your weight come down. Exercise and eat healthy. Please don't think you have to be heavy to play football. My daughter is in her third year of football, she played 2 years of Preteen and Pop Warner football and is now on the freshman high school team. She plays both sides of the ball plus special teams. She is 4'8 and 112 lbs. She holds her own against the boys twice her size. What she lacks in size she makes up for in smarts and speed. Take care of yourself and best wishes to you.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

KP., Steubenville, ohio — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:20:16 GMT

It is great that she is playing, but I just saw her play in the fall and she has at least put on another 75 lbs. Honey it ain't muscle. Exercise is a must and healthy eating. Which I gather the only exercise she gets, is on the field. I am not putting her down for playing, just her health. If I'm a guy and saw that coming at me I would run.! Horray for the IWFL ! would love to see her play that.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

John Doe, Jackson Mi. — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:46:11 GMT

As someone who has lost over 100 pounds in a years' time, and kept it off for over a year and a half (done without diatary suppliments, pills or surgery, by the way-exercise is a wonderful thing, as is the South Beach diet), I look at this person as a heart attack waiting to happen. While I applaud her for making the team, since I believe in equal rights for all, someone PLEASE tell this young lady to drop about 120 pounds, or she will die before the age of 30.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Honor Spitz, Mountain View, CA. — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:57:52 GMT

It was so painful to see, I could barely stand to watch the interview of young Holley Mangold. Poor thing is so very, very fat, morbidly obese really, yet everyone pussyfooted around that obvious and dire situation. She needs help NOW!! Help her to loose weight, live a more healthy lifestyle, then bring her back on for a real round of applause.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

K, Oxford, Ohio — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:06:51 GMT

Holy crap people! She is no more grossly overweight than any other big lineman. Muscle weighs more than fat, weightlifting makes people huge. This is common knowledge. Do you really believe a 300 lb girl who was just overweight would be able to cut it in football tryouts? Every coach she has encountered, including her father, was eager to exclude her for ANY reason, don't you think they could have used that one? The double standard on this board is astounding.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Ali Boisvert — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:17:26 GMT

Thank you Holley. My 12 yr old girls loves and plays football with the boys and has for 4 years now. Her dream is the NFL. She is like you, beautiful and strong. i wont let her know how hard (unfortunatley still)it is to be a woman and have to fight for any position in life.
And to those who are resonding to this with rude comments, you need to wonder why you are being mean.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

KP., Steubenville, ohio — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:55:44 GMT

Rude comments!.... not... we are giving our oppinion , and I think we all saw the same things. She said she was "slow" wonder why? I have seen her in person play and still didnt impress me at all. And from what I have been told, if ya go out for sports. No child left behind. Meaning, if ya go out ya make the team.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Eilwen, Charlotte, NC — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:42:50 GMT

If we're just giving opinions here, KP in Steubenville, then take this one: Holly has a positive attitude, likely knows she needs to get in better shape, and doubtlessly has a lot of muscle. If you want to help her get to the gym to lose some fat, maybe she can help you in English classes.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Jane — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 17:21:12 GMT

It's funny how no one is up in arms about overweight HUGE linemen in the NFL. But suddenly it's a woman and it's like "oh no she's too fat." Does that stop you from watching the NFL? Double standards and sexism abound.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Marc,Council Bluffs ,Iowa — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 17:28:03 GMT

every comment that I have read mentions her being overweight. I don't know to many overweight people bench pressing 265lbs. or squatting over 500lbs. I think we need to leave her alone and let her play ball.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Donna — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 17:29:18 GMT

Wow, I applaud this young girl for having a goal and for pursuing something she loves. But I think it is unconscionable that she is so grossly obese and the media is ignoring that fact. In pro ball, you have to be fit and well-conditioned, even if you are big. Athletes today who want to be role models should be fit, not morbidly fat. I wouldn't call her a role model for this reason only - it's one thing to be overweight and fit, and quite another to be as clearly obese as this young girl is and have everyone on the Today show pretending that she isn't. Are we saying that she can only succeed in football by outweighing her male counterparts? And frankly, it's not healthy for the boys, either. I wonder if she would have had any publicity at all if it weren't for her pro-football playing brother.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Dee — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 17:31:53 GMT

Why did this girl get any publicity when she's not even a starter on her high-school team? In what way is she a role model when she's a second-stringer? I can't see any college wanting her on their team, except as a publicity stunt, when she's not fast, she's not tall, she's not talented enough or fit enough to play as a starter. Hm.

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Mandy, NY Sharks — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 17:59:43 GMT

I play in the IWFL, saw this piece this morning and too wondered why there was no mention of all of the other young girls and women who currently play football. A simple google on women's football will show you that there are roughly 75 "professional" teams in the US with 31 of them directly in the IWFL. There is a bigger story here. Hoorah and good luck to Holley! Hopefully, we'll see you in the league soon.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

John, Hilliard, Oh — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 18:16:50 GMT

Wow you all should be ashamed to call this Girl obese, you obviously have no education or understanding of that term or exercise. They refer to her slow as compared to a high school player that would go to college. I doubt any women or man that can bench 250 and squat 500 is hurting their heart or body. With the conditioning that goes into becoming that big. She still gets out and goes through two a days and full practices. An Obese person can't move with out getting winded. This girl plays four quarters of football. When she is 35 and still this weight you can make your rude comments, but she is 18 lives an active lifestyle and chooses to lift to gain weight and works hard at what she does and I bet can run a mile faster than anyone on this forum can type a sentence with the comments I have been reading it takes a very slow person to write those things.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Milan, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 18:22:49 GMT

I work with young women who strive to become the women they want to be. I believe Holly is doing that in her own way. If she loves sports, she deserves to be fit enough to thrive in any sport she chooses. I want to know who in her life is committed to her health and fitness! I hope she knows deep in her heart that she doesn't have to be 300 pounds to play football. I wish I could spend the next six months as her fitness coach, then she can reach for anything she wants in life. Holly, in many ways I hope you're not reading these comments because fact is most of the people here don't have a clue about who you really are. You can be fit, love your body, and live your dream. www.FitBenefit.com

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Dayton, Ohio — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 18:28:55 GMT

I think that it is terrible that Holy is pointed out as a role model. As she has stated herself, she is very overweight. I truly think she is getting all this "glam" due to her brother. There are many other female athletes in the Dayton area that are very talented on the field. We need to teach our young women to be healthy and not too thin and not to thick. I don't feel that she is any type of a role model.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Joanne Deutch,Lenox,MA — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:17:45 GMT

I am seeing too many overweight young boys and girls lately. Their parents aren't heavy but they are. An athlete can be big but not overweight, a good diet is the key and it is the parents that must in force those values into their children.
Good luck to Holly and I can only hope that her parents take a real hard look at the picture on the news and realize that they must step in and help their daughter become a lean athlete, who would perform better and live a healthier, happier life

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

KP., Steubenville, ohio — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:11:56 GMT

Eilwen, Charlotte, NC touche'

All I am saying is she is NOY fit or in any shape. If you read my post's, I did not put her down for playing.Ive see her play and she isn't all that great of a player. I just don't think she a role model for any person (male or female) playing sports!

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Vern Mangold — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:12:34 GMT

It is hilarious to read comments from people who don't know Holley or our family.

First, Holley has been large since she was a baby. We have another daughter, Kelley, who swims in colleg, and she is a more "normal" 5' 7" and 135 lbs.

I will not give my wifes weight- not polite, of course- but I am 5' 10" and weigh 195 lbs.

Holley ran a six flat 40 yard dash this summer at camp. She has a blood pressure of 110 over 75 with a rest pulse of 62.

I suppose people would also consider my son obese. After all, he is 6' 4" and 305 lbs.

And for the Stubenville posters, well, you can't take anything that they say seriously. They are poster children for exactly the attitude that Holley has to work against. The posters displayed at the title game ewere vulgar, obscene and tasteless- and allowed by their school to be displayed.

I hope to see you inn the title game again.

GO KNIGHTS!

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:23:22 GMT

To the poster who said she is playing four quarters of football: no, she is not. SHE said that she is 'too slow' to be a starter. If she admits that she is slow, then I wonder at your need to say she can run a mile faster than other posters can type a sentence.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Dee — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:26:39 GMT

John, don't confuse being 'strong' with being 'fit.' They are two VERY different things. Trust me, I'm a personal trainer. Just because someone can lift a lot of weight does not make them fit cardiovascularly or able to run even short distances. It's not unusual for large people to have strong muscles that are covered by layers of fat because they are not burning enough calories to rid themselves of the fat.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

MISTY- DELTA JUNCTION ALASKA — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:31:47 GMT

I AM IN SHOCK AT THE COMMENTS THAT WERE MADE ABOUT THIS YOUNG ADULT. YES SHE IS OVER WEIGHT BUT AT LEAST SHE HAS THE GUTS TO GET OUT THERE AND PLAY. I AM SURE SHE TAKES PART IN THE PRACTICES THAT HER TEAM HAS,AND I DOUBT THAT SHE IS SITTING ON THE COUCH JUST WAITING FOR THE NEXT GAME. EVERY ONE ONLY SEES THE WEIGHT ISSUE WITH HER, HAS ANYONE STOPPED AND THOUGHT ABOUT THE INSPERATION SHE IS GIVING TO GIRLS THAT HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT PLAYING FOOTBALL BUT THOUGHT THERE WAS NO ROOM IN IT FOR GIRLS. MY DAUGHTER PLAYS FOOTBALL IN A SMALL TOWN IN ALASKA AND I HOPE SHE DOES NOT GO ON THIS SITE AND READ THESE GROSS COMMENTS THAT ARE BEING MADE ABOUT HOLLEY. LET US NOT FORGET EVERYONE THERE ARE BOYS TWICE HER SIZE ON SOME OF THESE TEAMS, WERE ARE THE COMMENTS ABOUT THEM?

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Kim Kalispell, Montana — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:41:45 GMT

Holly: When you read the bad comments picture them as the player's lined up across from you and slum em to the ground,Take the good comments like a good block or a fumble you may have caused that scored 6 points,
Most of all take the advice of this Milan in CA "You can be fit, love your body, and live your dream.Go Holly Go

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Central NJ — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:50:56 GMT

When Meridith brought up Katie, the kicker who went to University of Colorado who said she was sexually harrassed, Holley's comments (about how "you can't put yourself in certain situations" and "you have to know how to handle yourself around them" and "you can't give guys that much") were really insulting to Katie.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

RC, Puget Sound, WA — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:55:59 GMT

So I see that the trend in the pros of HUGELY FAT linemen has trickled down to the high school level. Sorry, but just because you're A HUGE FAT MOUNTAIN that is difficult to move it doesn't make you an athlete. Anyone that allows their child to be this huge, male or female, should be shot.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Eilwen, Charlotte, NC — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 21:14:32 GMT

So just out of interest: are people ragging on Holley because she's big or because she's a big female? Seems to me that men are supposed to slim down for health but women are supposed to slim down for looks. I've read several articles about larger women in remarkable shape, like personal trainers and aerobics instructors, who still suffer from ridicule because they're bigger despite being terribly fit. I don't think bigger men suffer that ridicule, and it always amuses me to see a guy with a beer gut complain about a woman's size.

So rather than celebrate a young woman seizing her dreams, some of you choose to point out your dislike of her size. Honestly, I wonder whether some posters have ridiculed because they truly worry for Holley's health or they just have a strong dislike for bigger people.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Eva Luna, Lompoc, Ca — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 21:43:35 GMT

As a physical educator I can appreciate some of what people are saying. I see how the eating habits of students impact their bodies. But my appreciation of their comments ends there. Its sad that people would result to such horrible name calling. Fit or not, things like "fat pig" have no business in the conversation about this student-athlete. So many factors play a roll in what your body type will be, what you eat is only one. Many people lack the knowledge to understand that its not just about the food you eat. Sure she weighs 315 pounds and she is able to bench press 265 pounds and squat 525 pounds. To the perfect people who want to lable and name call, get informed, she has to be working out to have those numbers. Its the people who lable and name call who help create the culture in which food issues and eating disorders thrive. Like many, many people she could improve her health, by lowering her body fat percentage, but I say admire her for what she has accomplished. She as well as her doctor are aware of her health status. And from what I have heard her say, she is aware of her limits and the factors that contribute to them. Hats off to Holly and everyone who has the committment and desire to work towards a goal. Ignore the ignorance of others and stick with it!

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Alwen, Golden, CO — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 22:06:24 GMT

I think it's so ridiculous that so many people are only focusing on this girl's weight. Yes she's obese, but so are many many offensive linemen, even in the NFL. If she were a male it seems unlikely that people would be going on about her weight...she's obviously not in bad shape as she can bench press and squat such impressive amounts. If we're going to talk about weight issues, we should include the thousands of men who play football and are overweight (probably more so than this girl...) Just take a look at your local NFL team...

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

JRWilson Memphis,Tn. — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 22:39:15 GMT

If you listened to the interview her father stated that she is an olympic weightlifter representing our country.
Yet all we see and here is she is obese.
How many people would love to represent their country in the olympics.
I know I would.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

kp — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 23:12:32 GMT

Mr. Mangold. You have every right to be upset with what has been said about your daughter, I would be too. But ...I do have to say one thing about my school. The poster were vulgar, obscene and were NOT allowed by our school to be there. They did get all the kids on tape and there were reprimanded, very harshly. But this has nothing to do with our school, its your daughter.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Nick S., Upstate New York — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 23:49:13 GMT

6 flat 40 yard dash, Blood pressure of 110 over 75 with a rest pulse of 62, 265lb. bench press, 525lb. squat. HAHA, not healthy? I'd like to see ANY of you put up that combination of numbers. Obviously she's big, but being skinny doesn't mean your organs are in amazing shape. How many of you smoke or drink? Thought so.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

NotLaughing — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:10:12 GMT

Mr. Mangold, it is a little disturbing that you think the comments about your daughter's morbid obesity are hysterical. Pretty sick sense of humor you have there. Of course, you must be concerned enough to feel obligated to post the stats on the rest of your "normal" family members (this is the impression you give, not the one I intend to make). Of course, your daughter's attitude towards the girl who was sexually harassed on the college team is quite similarly inappropriate, in her inexplicable remarks to the effect that that girl somehow "asked for it" (her words) by "putting herself in a situation" that she could not "handle herself" in (her words). Sure, she tried to back-paddle, but it was quite obvious what (lack of) feeling she was trying to convey. So, as hysterical as you may find the reaction to your daughter's situation (?!), you may want to consider that she is bringing it squarely on herself. There is no such thing as a healthy 315-pound 17-year-old girl or boy, period. She is morbidly obese. That would be the diagnosis regardless of her stress test results. Period. I hope she does well on the Olympic team. I hope she does not end up on a college football team (for her own good). I hope she finds a healthy way to drop about 150 pounds and lose a little bit of her "kick-a.s.s." attitude (for her own good). None of it is very healthy.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

M.T. New Carlisle,Ohio — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:25:41 GMT

Holly,I really do not know what to say about a lot of these comments (I do but want)expecialty about a 17 year old.I for one think you are wonderful,am really glad I have had the pleasure of knowing you (really glad I do not know a lot of these people)keep up the good work,and stick to your goal.You Go Girl

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Laurie, Douglas, Ga — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:33:29 GMT

I am a mother of a 14 year old 8th grade football player and she is not a small girl. She practiced last year but never played a game due to an injury during practice. Her first game will be this Thursday and I plan on being there supporting her just as everyone should do for Holly! I am very proud of my daughter and her interest in football. I was against football in the beginning; however, I have gotten use to the idea and attempt to get her all the attention that I can wherever I can get it from news paper/TV. Her team mates treat her like one of the guys but it doesn't seem to slow her down any. She enjoys the sport. I hope she sticks with it and gets a college scholarship but who knows. Hats off to this young girl because she is a role model! Now my daughter knows that she is not alone or the only girl out there. I would like to see some of the people that have made rude comments get out there and take out players. It takes a lot of courage and determination not to mention a love for the sport and a lot of hard work. I thank God that our community/school has not responded in the manner that Holly’s did.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

cherity, Douglas, Ga — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:58:12 GMT

my mom already said something about me playing football for my middle school are team is called the Trojans & in 8th. well i am 290 pounds i am 5'9 and is linedef. i take on twice my size at football games & practice. you people that talk about about this girl should try what she does & how hard it is to be called a part of the team. so the next person that says something about her weight needs to put on her suit & go out there & take on half the people she does .
note this: my coaches & team mates said that we are like family out there on the fild so back off and leave her alone.

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WakeUpDouglasGA — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 01:26:39 GMT

Make no mistake, Cherity, if I weighed 315 pounds it would not be difficult for me to knock someone off their feet in full football gear. That is not the point. The fact that you are missing the point, and that you are an 8th grade girl who weight 290 pounds, who looking for excuses to call that acceptable is a very disturbing trend in this country. The fact that your mother seems to be behind you in this delusion is equally disturbing. You, Cherity, are morbidly obese. That is the diagnosis for someone your height and weight. It has nothing to do with your ability to knock someone off their feet, it has to do with the fact that you are more than 100 pounds overweight, and your weight is detrimental to your health. Your internal organs are under constant stress from the pressure and strain of carrying that excess weight. You are at risk of developing a number of health conditions: asthma, sleep apnea, diabetes, heart disease, hernias, high blood pressure, etc. It is a fact not a judgement. Your weight doesn't make you a bad person. But your ability to "take on" someone twice your size doesn't make you a healthy person, just an immovable obstacle. There is a difference.

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Pat Labelle, Paradise Valley, AZ — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 01:42:42 GMT

I truly was in a state of surprise seeing Meredith interviewing the "football playing girl" after all the network's "so-called concern" about the issue of obesity in this country. Was this a last minute effort to fill in for a cancellation? I am truly disappointed in your decision to air this segment. This is not a good message sent to our youth at this time with an obesity epidemic.

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RealityCheck — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 02:24:57 GMT

Pat, I was surprised too that Meredith didn't even have the guts to ask Holley if she is concerned about the health issues that go along with a person being as overweight as she is, or if she is on any program to deal with her weight issue. Talk about your proverbial "elephant in the living room" (no...I do not compare Holley to an elephant). Anyone who wasn't screaming into the tv "ask her what she had for breakfast/lunch/dinner!!!" is in complete denial. Better yet, as her father if he knows the health risks that go with Holley's weight!! I would like to hear that one! They even wizzed past the fact that she is on (? is she on?) the Olympic power lifting team. Why all the emphasis on her football playing, which from what I can tell is subpar, and only a brief mention from her father (I admit, I almost missed it) about her Olympic ambitions? She's got a lot of problems ahead of her if someone doesn't knock this family on the head. She should not be allowed to eat anything white for 3 years! And those who compare her ability to knock over someone "twice her size" (a 580-pound high school football player....really?) with someone who cannot, I'll tell you this. Her being able to do that is no more difficult than a person who keeps themselves at a healthy weight and fitness level despite not being "naturally thin." Only 30% of the people in this country, myself included, fit into that category, and I'll tell you it is hard work. I can exercise at an aerobic level for 90 minutes, hike up a 1600-ft elevation mountain....can Holley or Cherity do that? I didn't get this way by drinking soda and eating french fries (if I could, I would). And I have no desire to knock down someone twice my size, but if I wanted to I could....they would weigh less than either Holley or Cherity.

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Laurie, Douglas, Ga — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 02:29:23 GMT

To the person that responded to Cherity, people of normal weight have diabetes, heart disease, etc. etc. etc. My question to you is, are you a physical? If the answer is no then who are you to give a medical diagnoses. Moreover, even if you are a physician you do not know these girls, their cases, or health status. She does have a pediatrician that has been seeing her since she was a baby and has made no statements about her weight not to mention that these girls had to pass a physical in order to be eligible to play. Why is the weight of these girls a problem? No one seems to be concerned about the overweight male football players. My daughter did state that "i take on twice my size at football games & practice” Notice the word "TWICE". Wouldn't that mean boys BIGGER then her. What a funny double standard we live in society these days!!!!! Strength is what helps these girls play and play successfully not only weight! Not to mention what type of person responds to a teenage female with such hurtful words. It is people like you that cause EATTING DISORDERS. SHAME ON YOU!!

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WakeUpLaurie — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 02:54:08 GMT

Oh give me a break, Laurie!! You are not serious! A person doesn't have to be a physician to see that Holley is morbidly obese (look up the diagnosis). And just because "thin people get diabetes" does not change the fact that people who are obese are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes (the diet-controlled form - DUH). Juvenile onset diabetes isn't a weight issue, it is a pancreas issue. You need to educate yourself before you sit down to the keyboard. It is YOU who is hurting your daughter by not addressing her morbid obesity. It is a diagnosis, not a judgement, and your inability to see that is what will contribute to the EATING DISORDER she already HAS!! If you post that you are in the 8th grade, weight 290 pounds and are 5 feet 9 inches tall....you ARE morbidly obese. Period. And yes, I have a medical background. Not that that matters. My teenage daughter can see a person who is morbidly obese.

Morbid Obesity is obesity which creates major existing or threatened secondary effects on the patient's health and well being.

Obesity means having a BMI (body mass index, a ratio of weight to height) of 30 or higher. Severe obesity -- also called morbid obesity -- begins at a BMI of 40. That's a weight of about 235 for a person who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and a weight of about **280 for a person 5 feet 10 inches tall**. The usual threshold for diagnosis of this condition is 100 pounds over ideal body weight, as determined by standard height/weight charts.

Examples of obesity-aggravated secondary health problems are arthritic symptoms on weight-bearing joints, **adult-onset (type 2) diabetes** (juvenile or type 1 diabetes is NOT related to weight, but to a pancreatic dysfunction!!), sleep apnea/severe snoring, hygiene problems related to skin folds, and depression/low self-esteem, hypercholesterolemia, etc.

You should know these things, Laurie. That you do not is very scary for your daughter. You are not helping her by keeping the truth from her. I already said this is not judgement. It is FACT. She is putting herself at risk for serious health problems. And you are not helping by sugar-coating (literally) the situation.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Laurie, Douglas, Ga — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 03:04:12 GMT

I think some of us are missing the point. The point was a "FEMALE FOOTBALL PLAYER" not weight. The story was not about her weight and health issues it was about how a female is advancing in the football profession and paving her way in life doing something that she loves to do. I say don't pay anyone any attention and keep doing what you are doing. A lot of girls don't realize that they have the option of playing football and this shows them that they can do it and are allowed to do it! You have shown my daughter that she is not alone and she can be successful in her venture into football. Thank you for your article and may God be with you in all that you do in life. I don't know you and am soooooo proud of you. I enjoy watching our young females succeed in ALL that they do.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

WakeUpLaurie — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 03:06:51 GMT

And if she is being knocked around by boys "twice her size" 1) they are also morbidly obese, and 2) she should be able to handle the truth. Someone has to give it to her (and you), and I don't dance around an issue. Fact is fact, like it or not. Oh...and a physician is going to check the blood pressure and make sure she doesn't (yet) have a hernia or asthma, is musculoskeletally sound (no joint problems, again yet, or scoliosis). They aren't going to discourage a child with an obvious weight problem from participating in sports. You are not making sense with that arguement. But I suspect you know that.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Laurie, Douglas, Ga — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 03:26:40 GMT

Maybe you should be the one to WAKE UP and realize that most of the football players in our society are overweight, rather it be muscle or fat!! Do you know my daughter BMI I DON’T THINK SOOOO! People like you need to keep your two cents to yourself; the rest of society does not want it imposed on them. God help any of your family in the future that becomes overweight they will become anorexic due to YOUR CRITICISM. You still seem to be stuck on female weight. I am pretty sure the story was about a successful female football player not weight. Not to mention that I don’t tell you how to tend to your children and I won’t take your advice. We have a physician; I would think if her BMI was a problem he would inform us. She has been checked for diabetes because her father who is not over weight has diabetes, she is HEALTHY!!!! But thanks for your concern. TO BAD ALL OF THE WEIGHT ATTENTION SEEMS TO BE DIRECTED TOWARDS THE FEMALES. Not to mention that she discussed her own weight and physical state, so she does not need you POINTING it out to her!!

BUT, THANKS AGAIN for your concern for our children, it’s too bad that people don’t have better things to do then criticize.
I don’t care if you do say it is a fact that is up to the physician they are seeing. I myself have taken courses throughout my major and am aware of what obesity is.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

WhoIsSicker — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 03:40:03 GMT

Would you tell a crack addict "it's okay Susie, you should just be happy with who you are, don't listen to those rude people who are telling you that you are hurting yourself, they are just horrible.... afterall...look at (insert name of latest Hollywood rehab guest here)...he/she is famous and successful and he/she uses drugs" Would you do that with a drug addict? So why do you do it with someone who is ruining their health with food? THERE is your double standard! And no, I don't think drug addiction is okay either. But obesity is just as unhealthy. The only difference: food is a legal addiction. Imagine the health of the population AND the health of the planet if each person ate only what was necessary to sustain good health? The impact is huge. Think production, transportation, storage, health costs, fuel costs, etc, etc, etc. Just imagine that then next time you go to the all-you-can-eat buffet. Gluttony and sloth are 2 of the 7 deadly sins for a reason!

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Brittany C, Knoxville, TN — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 05:29:55 GMT

It is great that this young girl is doing so well with her football, but honestly, how can we sit here and tell children that its OK to be that obese as long as they are playing a sport or whatever it is that they like to do. She may be good at football now, but what happens when she ends up gaining even more and her heart gives out from all the stress on it? We are talking about diabetes and all the other diseases that come with being overweight. I congradulate her on her accomplishments, but her losing the weight will be her biggest feat yet. The football playing won't last long looking that way. I only give her the 15 minutes of fame she is getting. Good luck with that one, and if it doesn't end up working out, then her twinkies will always be there and won't ever turn her away.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

M Canton, ohio — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 10:56:55 GMT

I saw the interview, I also saw the brother sitting right next to her and what a difference a foot makes. I quote you "I suppose people would also consider my son obese. After all, he is 6' 4" and 305 lbs. " umm, big difference there.
Any person that size is not healthy, I am not including your son here, he has the height, muscle mass and he looks pretty healthy , but looks are deceiving. What Im trying to say is , It doesnt matter what your daughter benches, runs, squats.... You know in your heart she is NOT healthy!.
Denial ..... will only get you in the long run.

As for NFL players. Most are healthy, they have trainers, P.T. Doctors ..etc..
they do practice, train, eat right. You can not compare your son to your daughter. Its like apples and oranges.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

hurtful words, Ga — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 11:18:07 GMT

My daughter does live in the real world and attends public school so she has encountered hurtful words such as yours. However, I don't guess that my last two posts have gone through. Thanks for your concern for my daughters health. However, she is happy and no complaints from the Dr. so she is healthy!

Holly don't take any of this personally and keep doing what you do best. Show America what it truly means to be a female athlet. For all of the negative comments there are positive ones as well.

I believe that some of society may have missed the point of the show "a female football player" not a weight issue.

Unless you are my daughters physician you don't know her BMI so we will stick with the Dr comments. My daughter does appear to be doing something to live healthy she is playing FOOTBALL. Some people just don't like females playing and say hurtful words.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Eilwen, Charlotte, NC — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:01:43 GMT

I'd bet anything Holley is healthier than those anorexic/bulemic, chain-smoking size 0 women that society seems to revere.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

WakeUpLaurie — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:29:31 GMT

I do know your daughter's BMI because she provided her height and weight. There is no such thing as a healthy 290 pound 5 ft 9 inch person. You are not aware of what obesity is if you continue to state that your daughter is not obese. And not telling her what the health risks of her weight are is neglect on your part and malpractice on the part of your physician. Go to the grocery store and put 20 five-pound packages of ground beef in your grocery cart. Take a long look at that, because at the barest minimum that is how much excess weight your daughter is carrying around. Imagine that weight inside her, pushing against her organs, the weight lying on her heart and lungs as she sleeps. Imagine having to lift that weight up and carrying it around all day every day, and the strain that puts on that heart and lungs that are being pushed on by the weight. Ask your doctor point blank if your daughter is obese. You asked for the "all the attention you could get for her".

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

JustTheFacts — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:31:41 GMT

42.8 That is your daughters BMI according to the calculator on the National Institute of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services websites. A BMI range of 18.5-24.9 is considered healthy. A BMI of 30 or greater begins the range of obesity. Morbid obesity is diagnosed with BMI greater than 40.

For more information go to www.nhlbisupport.com

There are more than 30 obesity-related health risks, some of which may be fatal. Obesity is a known risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, heart disease, sleep apnea, gallbladder and liver disease, stroke, and certain cancers, such as endometrial, colorectal, gallbladder, and renal. Obesity is also associated with infertility and menstrual irregularities, incontinence, and psychological disorders such as depression.

Obesity and associated health risks have increased health care costs in the United States. Each year treatment for obesity and its related conditions cost Americans over $99 billion. Direct health care expenditures, covering prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of obesity, represents $51.6 billion. The remaining $47.6 billion is in indirect costs, such as wages lost by people unable to work because of illness or disability.

The social stigma attached to being morbidly obese is unfortunate. It contributes to the risk of depression. I do not judge a person by their BMI. But to ignore it simply to spare the feelings of the person carrying the risk of this health condition can be fatal. It can also result in future denial of medical coverage, as this is becoming the trend. And statistically these people need more health care than the average person.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

ToEilwen — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:59:02 GMT

"I'd bet anything Holley is healthier than those anorexic/bulemic, chain-smoking size 0 women that society seems to revere."

And you would be wrong. She just isn't unhealthier. Both have health risks associated with their weight and behavior. Overeating and obesity vs. anorexia and tobacco addiction = various health risks and potential early death, cardiac disease, musculoskeletal issues, cancer, etc.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Cheryl, in MA — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:10:24 GMT

I couldn't agree more with "WakeUpLaurie". Please listen to his/her advice. You are in serious denial of your daughter's weight issues as is Holley's parents obviously. Seriously, your doctor hasn't mentioned a weight issue?? Ever??? I really find that hard to believe. What you need to do then is get yourself a copy of her medical records. I'm certain that you'll find the words "morbidly obese" in her file even if in fact the doctor has never come out and stated this to you. By being in denial all you are doing is putting your child at risk for future health problems. Sorry you don't want to hear it, but FACT is, it's inevitable. There are too many parents today that are in denial and simply putting their own childrens' health at risk and it is very disturbing. When I see obese children, the only one to blame is the parents for allowing their children to live such unhealthy lifestyles. Shame on you as a parent if you don't get your child some help before it's too late! It is our job as a parents to teach our children to eat healthy and exercise to maintain a healthy weight so they are not at risk for serious illnesses further on up the road. I'm not saying that everyone that is thin is physically fit inside either, but by being morbidly obese you are greatly increasing your odds of illness. Why would you risk your own child's health?? Why not put the odds in their favor, rather than against them?

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

twinky friend sam — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:42:55 GMT

hope u get to play for the nfl

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

NeedMoreReasons — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:49:52 GMT

Indiana University School of Medicine researchers are taking a closer look at a disease whose incidence is rising as obesity in children increases. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis, more popularly known as Fatty Liver Disease, occurs in approximately 15% of obese children. Fatty Liver Disease, in which fat accumulates in the liver, while not life threatening in children, can lead to cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, sometimes requiring transplantation by adulthood.

"Until now the only treatment for Fatty Liver Disease has been to offer diet and exercise counseling, but this is often not effective. As part of a national multi-center research network, we are now looking at Vitamin E and at Metformin, a drug used to treat Type II diabetes, as possible therapies" said Jean Molleston, M.D., clinical professor of pediatrics at IU School of Medicine and director of pediatric gastroenterology at Riley Hospital for Children. Dr. Molleston is the pediatric principal investigator for the IU School of Medicine site of TONIC, an eight-center Phase III study funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, which is investigating treatment options for Fatty Liver Disease in 8 to 17 year olds and is the largest study of its type to date.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Shayla Taylor, New Carlisle, OH — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 17:43:43 GMT

Wow, Im really surprised at how vain some of these poeple are. Are they jealous or what? I being only 20 could never play football so I really look up to your talents. Dont let these people discourage you! Maybe they just wanted to be the ones on TV? lol But besides the rudeness of this world, your awesome, you have talent, and you could kick any guys butt so keep up the good work!! The sky is the limit!! GOOD LUCK GIRL!!!!!!

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Way to go Holly! — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:39:13 GMT

I believe some individuals are getting off of the subject of a story on a female football player. Holly is participating in a sport that is normally played by men/males. Female football players are not heard of very often. She is out there practicing and playing just as hard as her teammates. These female football players must be in physical shape to be able to practice, play, and lift the amount of weight they are capable of lifting. The Bible also informs us that we should not judge each other because it is a SIN.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Strength is not fitness — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:18:22 GMT

"These female football players must be in physical shape to be able to practice, play, and lift the amount of weight they are capable of lifting."

No, they just have to be gigantic. They lift that massive weight all day every day. That is not physical fitness. Holley's abilities on the field are not really a story. She herself says she isn't a starter. They put her in when they need an immovable wall, not for every play of the game. Linemen are not physically fit, male or female, high school, college, or pro. Fitness is a package, and a person who is overweight is not physically fit, especially a person who is 100 or more pounds overweight. I don't think they really brought her on the show to make a point of her play....I'm pretty sure they knew that the focus would be on her size. She weighs more than her brother who is a professional football player. It's ridiculous.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

PAM - SCOTTOWN, OH — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:25:38 GMT

WOW! SOME PRETTY CRUEL COMMENTS FOR THIS GAL... I AM NOT SEEING THAT SHE IS ASKING FOR THE ATTENTION SHE IS RECEIVING AND CERTAINLY NOT REGARDING HER SIZE. MOST PLAYERS WOULD LOVE TO PLAY COLLEGE BALL AND IT IS THEIR DREAM - BUT A FEW MAKE IT AND IF SHE DOES - KUDOS TO HER. TO PLAY FOOTBALL, I AM SURE SHE HAS TO WORK OUT JUST LIKE THE GUYS AND AS FOR BEING SLOW... WELL, EVEN THE SLIM ONES CAN BE SLOW - NOT ALWAYS SIZE ON THIS ONE. I DON'T PERSONALLY KNOW YOU, THERESE, BUT I DON'T BELIEVE YOU DESERVE THE VERY NEGATIVE AND DOWNRIGHT MEAN COMMENTS REGARDING YOUR SIZE. OUR DAUGHTER WANTED TO PLAY FOOTBALL AND SHE IS A BIG GAL (YEP, BEEN TO AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST AND ALL TESTS PROVED "NORMAL" - JUST SOME KIDS ARE BIG).... WE SAID NO BECAUSE OF HER ALREADY BAD KNEES. SO "COMMENTERS" EASE UP AND GET A LIFE - PEOPLE LARGE AND SMALL DO HAVE FEELINGS.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Sherry Gomez, Douglas, GA — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:47:07 GMT

How on earth did “Girl on the defensive line” change to “morbidly obese”? I could stand to lose weight myself, but even though I am over my weight, I am still not going to get out there and play football. I think she will eventually lose weight by doing the PT through football and the school, but I don't understand how that became the issue. If it was a man, no one would have said a word about his weight. And I love the way skinny people throw around the word “morbidly obese”. Like being anorexic is better. You same people who throw up to keep from being “morbidly obese” are the same people we see on Maury not wanting to be fat. You don’t know why she is obese; maybe she has a medical reason. But the fact that she is obese and she is still playing football instead of just sitting around watching television, should be commended instead of condemned. And for all of you too skinny for your own good idiots, who missed the whole point, there are more of us than there are of you. FAT PEOPLE RULE!

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Sayonara Sucker — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 22:19:40 GMT

"the same people we see on Maury"...."instead of just sitting around watching television"

Hmmmm....

"there are more of us than there are of you"

Not for long: The majority of studies show an increase in mortality rate associated with obesity (body mass index > 30).

Obese individuals have a 50-100 percent increased risk of death from all causes, compared with normal-weight individuals (body mass index 20–25). Most of the increased risk is due to cardiovascular causes.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

State Ranks — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 22:47:32 GMT

Since last year's report, obesity got worse in 31 states. How many states got better? Zero. States that appear to have improved in the rankings did so only because other states got worse.

"This report is a devastating indictment. We are still treating obesity like a mere inconvenience rather than the emergency it is. We are not sending a wake-up call -- we are ringing the emergency alarm," said James S. Marks, MD, MPH, director of the health group at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

This is the complete state list for adult obesity (not overweight - obese - BMI greater than 30):

Alabama 29.4% obese, rank: 3
Alaska 25.8% obese, rank: 16
Arizona 21.7% obese, rank: 43
Arkansas 27.0% obese, rank: 8
California 22.7% obese, rank: 36
Colorado 17.6% obese, rank: 51
Connecticut 20.1% obese, rank: 47
Delaware 23.6% obese, rank: 29
D.C. 22.2% obese, rank: 40
Florida 22.9% obese, rank: 34
**Georgia 26.1% obese, rank: 14**
Hawaii 20.1% obese, rank: 47
Idaho 23.2% obese, rank: 31
Illinois 24.4% obese, rank: 25
Indiana 26.8% obese, rank: 9
Iowa 24.9% obese, rank: 20
Kansas 24.3% obese, rank: 27
Kentucky 27.5% obese, rank: 7
Louisiana 28.2% obese, rank: 4
Maine 23.0% obese, rank: 33
Maryland 24.4% obese, rank: 25
Massachusetts 19.8% obese, rank: 50
Michigan 26.8% obese, rank: 9
Minnesota 23.7% obese, rank: 28
Mississippi 30.6% obese, rank: 1
Missouri 26.3% obese, rank: 12
Montana 20.7% obese, rank: 45
Nebraska 25.4% obese, rank: 18
Nevada 22.5% obese, rank: 37
New Hampshire 22.4% obese, rank: 38
New Jersey 22.2% obese, rank: 40
New Mexico 22.0% obese, rank: 42
New York 22.4% obese, rank: 38
**North Carolina 25.6% obese, rank: 17**
North Dakota 25.1% obese, rank: 19
**Ohio 26.0% obese, rank: 15**
Oklahoma 26.8% obese, rank: 9
Oregon 23.3% obese, rank: 30
Pennsylvania 24.5% obese, rank: 23
Rhode Island 20.5% obese, rank: 46
South Carolina 27.8% obese, rank: 5
South Dakota 24.9% obese, rank: 20
Tennessee 27.8% obese, rank: 5
Texas 26.3% obese, rank: 12
Utah 21.1% obese, rank: 44
Vermont 20.0% obese, rank: 49
Virginia 24.5% obese, rank: 23
Washington 23.2% obese, rank: 31
West Virginia 29.8% obese, rank: 2
Wisconsin 24.8% obese, rank: 22
Wyoming 22.8% obese, rank: 35

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Last Laugh — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:11:25 GMT

I do not see many (but there are some) rude comments. What I do see are several very frank, honest and informative comments regarding the serious matter of obesity, especially as it is on the rise in our children. How it is offensive to openly discuss this is a mystery to me, but the fact that the parents who are contributing to their children's obesity are the same ones who are denying that it is a problem, is very telling. With the font of information regarding obesity, contributing to and encouraging this condition in a child is tantamount to child abuse. Why is anorexia an excuse for obesity? Both are caused by eating disorders, both are treatable with healthy lifestyle choices (and in most cases mental health counseling), and neither is normal! Why should I pay the healthcare costs of someone who is unwilling to contribute to their own health and actively participates in their health detriment? This goes for both ends of the spectrum, and drug, alcohol, and tobacco abusers as well. You are all in the same boat as far as I am concerned. It's sinking, by the way. Soon health insurance providers won't cover any of you. You may "rule" now, but not for long. You will be categorized as high-risk, and you will pay for that.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Its not about the game — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:26:34 GMT

"But the fact that she is obese and she is still playing football instead of just sitting around watching television, should be commended instead of condemned."

Not if the fact that she is obese is what is allowing her to be on the team and play the position that she is playing. This only contributes to maintaining that weight and avoiding dealing with her health issues. If she must be that size to play that position, and that size is morbidly obese, she should be encouraged to find another activity to participate in for the betterment of her health. I suspect that football is, for her (and her family), an escape from the reality of her condition. The fact is, if she was not that big she would not be playing, and she should not be that big. No one should. It's not healthy.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Morbidly Obese dayton ohio — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 03:20:39 GMT

I love the fact that so many people are intrested in telling other people how to live their lives. those who support me thanks and those who dont its to bad... that you let a thing like me being overweight cloud your judgement of who i am as a person. my life is wonderful and full of fun. i wake up every morning thinking that im dead sexy and that i love my life. i consder my self lucky to have so much self confidence when other (skinner than i girls) hate their life and bodies. i have more friends than i can count and about 60 guys that will never leave my side because their my brothers. the best part about it is that i dont have to justify my life to you. i am writting this for your own sake...move on with your life. when your day consists of making fun and passing judgement on a 17 year old girl that you dont know, whos worst crime is not fitting in to the norm, your life is truly pathetic and i feel sorry for you.

i didnt mean to sound rude about katie but i read her story in the sports illistrated and to be able to play football and be well liked by the guys take years. when your around men (that you are not life long friends with) you have to handle your self a certin way. i was not there so i can not speak facts because i do not know them but i ment what i said you cant put yourself in certin situations. i was definatly not trying to cover up what i said i have my beliefs and you have yours leave it at that.

people told me that new yorkers are rude and to be careful but in new york i was congradulated and generaly like but its when i come home is were i need to be care full.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

AG, Honolulu, HI — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 04:50:01 GMT

Oh.My.Gawd. Anyone who has any appreciation or understanding of football knows that ALL linemen are huge. Period. This isn't a story about weight. It's a story about the love of sport. I've yet to see a story about a male lineman or football player focus so much on weight. Among ALL players there are discrepancies in weight, height, speed. Why is it news that *this* female is slower. Anyone wonder if there are slower guys on the team too? DUH. More power to this young woman. Both my father and brother played football at the D1-A level (major conferences) as starting running backs. I was built just like 'em wth similar speed and strength (could out-bench most of the guys I knew) but never got the chance due to so much negativity. Sigh. I'm glad that 10-15 years later things are finally changing for the better. I still love the game and follow my alma mater religiosly. I just wish there were fewer judgments about girls/women who grow up in families with long traditions and just want to participate.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Fairborn, Ohio — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:48:41 GMT

The fact is, that this young lady is getting publicity due to her brother being in the NFL. That is the baseline fact. As stated before, there are many other female athletes in football and not as large. The comment was made that she is a big time weightlifter. If I weighed that much, I too could lift a lot of weight. If you think about it, she really is lifting that much based on her size. My daughter is a kicker for a Dayton school and weighs 151 and 5ft 8in. She is proud of her weight and size and is in the weight room right along with her fellow players. While I know every athlete undergoes a physical every year, the school physicals are basically an assembly line, fill out the papers and move on. How I know that is from first hand experience. While I applaud her for getting out there and playing, there are many other female athletes that are more role models than she will ever be. While I wish her the best of luck in the future, she needs to reconsider her weight and trying to follow in her brother's footsteps before it is too late. More and more young adults are overweight these days and they don't do anything about it. Her parents need to consider this instead of seeing how much publicity they can get for her. As for her comments on the show about the young women that went to college and basically put themselves in the positions they were in, I think this young lady needs a little home training and pray that she doesn't end up in a similar situation. Before she goes on ESPN or the news again, maybe she could get her brother to hire her a coach to teach her a little bit of tact.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Just Read It — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 14:27:37 GMT

If you haven't seen the stories regarding the focus on obesity in linemen in the NFL it is because you haven't been looking.

The Boston Globe: As much as I like pro football, this is like Henry VIII telling everyone else to go on a diet or off with their stomachs. Short of sumo wrestling, the NFL is the world's greatest exhibition of hanging guts. In 1992 the NFL had 67 players who were 300 pounds or more. This season, there are 328, an average of 10 per team. One in every five players is 300 pounds or more.

The most innovative way the NFL could help fight the child obesity epidemic does not require a single penny, let alone $2 million. All it needs to do is urge school systems to unplug their soda machines. That will not happen any time soon. Pepsi is the official soda of the NFL. It was highly prominent in the NFL Kickoff extravaganza in Washington, promoting its new vanilla soda.

The Washington Post: "I think the life expectancy for offensive linemen isn't great," Newberry said. "For me, having young children, it's a somber thought. But it's part of the job."

The cause of Herrion's death has not been determined. It's possible an ailment like a previously undisclosed heart condition killed him. Herrion's father suffered from diabetes and died last year of a stroke, and his mother suffers from high blood pressure. Still, many observers, including 49ers offensive linemen, wonder whether Herrion's weight was a factor. He was listed at 6-3 and 315 pounds, and his agent said he'd been 15 to 25 pounds heavier than that last season.

USA Today: An article in USA Today reports that a study of more than 300 NFL players revealed an unusually high rate of sleep apnea - 14%, five times higher than the rate of males of a similar age. The rate climbed even higher for the big men of football, the linemen - 34%.

The Taipei Times: "Getting to 300 lbs is a milestone," Minnesota center Matt Birk, all of 314 lbs, told The Pioneer Press of St. Paul during Vikings camp. "Life is more fun at 300."

An NFL bumper sticker, if there ever was one. If only Kelci Stringer could just fall in line, the NFL could go about branding its bulk-rate offensive lines with clever barnyard nicknames.

But the widow of Korey Stringer has decided to fight the behemoth-makers at the NFL by filing a lawsuit against the league last month, describing training camps as sweatshops, leading to a "perverse, insidious and deadly culture" that she alleges led to her husband's heatstroke death in 2001.

She has a point, but it is as much about the culture of obesity as it is about the culture of camp. Korey was 335 lbs the day he died, all the insulation he needed to bake when his body temperature hit 108 F.

Not being able to find articles about the NFL and obesity...similar to saying "I've tried everything" to lose weight....from the couch.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Mums the word — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:04:16 GMT

I will gladly "stay out" of other people's lives and "get on" with mine when I don't have universal healthcare to worry about. You pay for your gluttony and sloth, and I'll throw you a parade. But don't come crying to me when you need a liver transplant and an oxygen tank, and a home health nurse to help you clean the ulcers in your skin folds. It's not about being "normal", its about being healthy. I stay fit because I want to be able to move and take care of myself when I am older, not because I am vain. And FYI, all teenage girls have body image issues, fat or thin. It may seem like nothing to worry about at 17, but at that size there is no time to waste. But I suppose in this day and age of gastric bypass surgery no one has to take responsibility for anything anymore. Just keep shoveling it in while you can. Harsh? No more harsh than implying that a girl "put herself in a situation" to be sexually harassed. There is no excuse/justification for that kind of attitude because there is no excuse/justification for that behavior. She probably didn't have a rich brother to fall back on, no one to hold up as a threat if anyone threatened her. Funny that you are entitled to your opinion, but aren't as generous when the opinion is about you.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

casey.. (your baby boo) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:23:25 GMT

WOW>>>>
hope you get to the nfl...
take them men down

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

twinkyman sam nix, highlands,nc — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:29:07 GMT

ur big harry friend says that you should play pro football whit ur brother and i can cheer u on -twinky man sam-

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

eat more live less — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:00:32 GMT

The State News: Consider this - at last February's exclusive NFL scouting combine, out of 61 collegiate offensive linemen invited, 59 weighed at least 300 pounds. The other two weighed 299. For players who have dreams of making football a career, the message is clear: Go big or go home.

But as players' waistlines grow, so have the health risks.

Of course, there's the danger that just comes with playing the game. Five players died of football-related injuries last year at the youth league, high school, collegiate and professional levels. As players get bigger, collisions between them become more powerful and, as a result, more dangerous.

There's also the risk that comes from being a large person doing strenuous physical activity in oppressive conditions. Another nine players died last year from heat stroke, dehydration or heart failure while playing.

And the dangers don't end when the pads come off.

Lugging that extra weight around all the time increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases later in life.

Heavy players are also at higher risk for sleep apnea, which interrupts breathing during sleep and can produce an irregular heartbeat and other cardiovascular problems. A recent survey published in theNew England Journal of Medicine showed NFL linemen to be about 13 times more likely to have the condition than men who don't play football.

It's no wonder the average life expectancy of an NFL player is 55 - about 22 years less than the average American.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Santina Hargett, Trenton, NC — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 17:59:45 GMT

Kudos to any one who steps outside the realm of normal and tries something that is different. My daughter has been playing football since she was nine years old. She is now nearly fourteen. She is in her second year playing for Jones Middle School in Trenton, NC. and she is FIRST-STRING. She also plays with our local recreation team and when basketball season comes she'll be playing then too. She plays line back, tight end, running back, quarter back, full back, offensive and defensive. She knows the plays, she's not afraid, and she is all heart. This girl loves the game of football. Though I commend the young lady in this article, it is very disturbing about her weight. The article presents her weight in more of a positive manner. It may help to have 315 pounds on your line but I only see that as an impediment to really excelling in this sport. My daughter has put on about 15 pounds since she began practice for football this year. She weighs in now at 146 though she looks like she weighs 125. She is 5'6" tall and fit, trim, healthy, and muscular. When basketball season starts she will drop about 15 to 20 pounds. She will be less bulky and have more lean muscle. She has no problems keeping up with the guys and is even faster than most of them and she is really good. She is not just an honorary member, she is a vital asset to our team. Everywhere we go, people are always shocked that she plays football. She doesn't fit the stereotype. She's not "manly" or very large. She's fit, highly intelligent (all honor's classes in her school, member of BETA and Academically and Intellectually Gifted program), and she is also exceptionally beautiful. She is all these things and loves the game of football!

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Personal Trainer and Teacher, Pittsburgh, PA — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 18:08:42 GMT

Dear Holley,

I pen this comment directly to you, as I realize many of these posts condemn your weight and proportion instead of applauding your accomplishments. As a high school teacher, I am horrified by the hurtful mud-slinging and social commentary in regards to your size; your self-confidence and poise are admirable, especially when you're being targeted by faceless cowards, meekly ranting from behind the safety of their computer screen.

I moonlight as a personal trainer, and let me tell you the method of merely measuring height versus weight and figuring out a body mass index with an equation is severely inaccurate. Skin calipers are the only way to ensure an accurate BMI. Muscle weighs as much as fat, pound for pound; however, muscle takes us less space. While I do not condone obesity, as a gym rat, I understand that it's impossible to have the stats that you do in regards to weight training and be "out of shape." I challenge ANYONE whom has posted previously to bench press the amount that you do, as many times as you do, and then call themselves "unfit." Ludicrous.

As a woman, I am absolutely unabashed to stand on the scale. At 5'10" I weigh in at 202lbs. If the original poster who figured out your BMI would enter my stats into the formula he used, I, too, would also fall outside the physician's recommended BMI of 24.9. I hate to dispell the theory that little online body fat/index calculators are bogus, but...well, without calipers they are. At 202lbs. I compete in fitness competitions. I am a size 6, 25 inch waist, 38 inch bust, 13.5 inch biceps, and my BMI is 19.6% by skin fold calipers. Therefore, do not the ridiculous "BMI" poster crush your spirit, as there are many variables that bypass the American Heart Associations outdated BMI chart.

In short, do not listen to the incorrigibles on this board that feel free to turn your accolades into a campaign against obesity. You would not have received the notoriety or national recognition you deserve if you weren't a boundary breaker. You are crushing stereotypes and breaking barriers; you are inspirational to young women everywhere, not because you're playing football, but because you've crossed invisible gender lines that were drawn long ago, long before many of us were born.

Vern, I commend you on raising a strong, independent, confident daughter.

Holley, keep your chin up.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Get a Grip — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 18:27:44 GMT

If you do not think Holley is obese, you are delusional. If it was a borderline case it would be different, but 315 pounds isn't healthy for anyone, period. And if you were actually a personal trainer you would know that. 202 pounds is not heavy for a muscular person who is 5'10". Add another 113 pounds to your frame and tell me you are "fit"! That is ludicrous. Also, if you were a personal trainer, as you claim to be, you would know that aerobic conditioning is necessary for fitness, and that you cannot gauge fitness by strength alone. All methods of gauging weight are flawed in the boderline ranges, but when it is obvious it is not difficult identify. Some things are just unhealthy with out need for quantification. And proportionate to her weight, she really isn't that astoundingly strong.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

clue phone — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 18:44:44 GMT

For the sake of argument, if at 5'10" you weighed 315 pounds, you would have 37 pounds of "wiggle room" in your BMI to still be classified as morbidly obese because your "chart" BMI would be 45.2. Morbid obesity beginning at a BMI of 40, your weight for that classification would begin at 278 pounds. At 202, you don't fit into any obesity classification anyway, chart or otherwise. Personal trainer? Really??

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Personal Trainer and Teacher, Pittsburgh, PA — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 18:49:58 GMT

Hi Get a Grip,

As I said in my previous post, I never condoned her weight. I merely pointed out that many people here are missing the issue--she, along with other women are breaking stereotypes. I also never said I didn't recommend or implement cardiovascular training. In addition, I never said that I was "gaug[ing] fitness by strength alone." I said nothing about "borderlines" and I certainly never said she was "astoundingly strong."

I simply wanted to point out there are several misjudgements and inaccuracies when it comes to measuring BMI, so the post highlighting the ranges of body mass indexes isn't entirely fair to Holley.
Accordingly, the "if you were actually a personal trainer you would know that comments" are easy to shrug off, and I feel no need to defend my profession status as a trainer because I'm posting on an open forum. If you are a paragon of physical fitness and are so willing to dispense advice to the public in your obvious crusade against obesity, why don't you publicly post your email address so that we may compare research, fitness routines, nutrition, the benefits of cyclical-ketogenic dieting, muscle versus proportion, and our favorite brands of skin fold calipers?

In short, it's you that needs to "get a grip."

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

back away from the soda — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:10:29 GMT

That's funny....isn't a personal trainer supposed to be all about motivation and not making excuses? How do you get an out of shape/unhealthy person into shape/healthy if you are not honest with them about their condition? "Don't you worry Susie Crackwhore, if you want to kill yourself with your addiction and lifestyle that's just fine, as long as you 'love yourself the way you are'".

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

as if any one cares — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:27:29 GMT

I am sooo glad that these young girls realize the importance of treating people the way they want to be treated and believe that some other people in our society should have been raised the same way. You people are complaining about these girls being big. THEY ARE ACTIVE, THEY ARE PRACTICING, AND PLAYING FOOTBALL. They can’t win for losing because of negative attitudes! You complain about the weight then complain about them playing a sport. The physician will do what is best for their patients. Why discourage any child from being actively involved in any sport. LEAVE THEM ALONE AND LET THEM PLAY!!!!!!

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Sherry Gomez, Douglas, GA — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:44:19 GMT

How on earth did “Girl on the defensive line” change to “morbidly obese”? I could stand to lose weight myself, but even though I am over my weight, I am still not going to get out there and play football. I think she will eventually lose weight by doing the PT through football and the school, but I don't understand how that became the issue. If it was a man, no one would have said a word about his weight. And I love the way skinny people throw around the word “morbidly obese”. Like being anorexic is better. You same people who throw up to keep from being “morbidly obese” are the same people we see on Maury not wanting to be fat. You don’t know why she is obese; maybe she has a medical reason. But the fact that she is obese and she is still playing football instead of just sitting around watching television, should be commended instead of condemned. And for all of you “too skinny for your own good” idiots, who missed the whole point, there are more of us than there are of you. FAT PEOPLE RULE! WAY TO GO HOLLY AND CHERITY!!

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Dee — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:45:13 GMT

Well, if that poster above truly was Holly, I don't think we have to worry about her playing college football. With her poor writing skills, poor grammar and poor spelling, I doubt she would be able to get into anything better than a community college. Granted, not everyone needs to be a great academician to go to college, but she clearly needs remedial help to become college ready in English and writing.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Sherry Gomez, Douglas, GA — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:52:48 GMT

To Sayanara Sucker:
Just as many people die from anorexia as they do overweight. I knew a man who was a vegitarian, in perfect health who jogged everyday and went jogging one morning and got hit by a bus. Everyone dies. Do you think you're going to live forever? At least she is doing something with her life while she has it. WAY TO GO HOLLY AND CHERITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

info — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:57:16 GMT

For those of you that don't know. I had to take my daughter to a walk in clinc and pay cash to get the physical completed for my daughter to be able to play. Nothing to do with standing in line in the gym. We did however, have to pay for an eye exam and contacts for her to be able to pass the physical.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Sayonara Sucker — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 20:24:00 GMT

"Just as many people die from anorexia as they do overweight."

LIE

And why is that even a valid arguement. Both are unhealthy. Bring me an anorexic and I'll tell them they are killing themselves too. So what is your point?

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Get a Grip — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 20:33:26 GMT

The devices I am most familiar with, Personal Trainer, are the ones used in arthroscopic and laparoscopic surgeries: Stryker, DePuy, Ethicon, Biomet. These are used after the bones and organs have been destroyed by years of carrying around excess weight. After that you move on to Guidant/Boston Scientific products.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Jerry (Lima, Ohio) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 20:38:39 GMT

I think it's funny that someone associated with Alter High School is talking about unsportsmanlike conduct by fans at a high school athletic event. Alter students disrespect opponents more than any other high school students in the state of Ohio. I think it's good that she plays football if that's what she truly wants to do. To the people that say she's no different than an NFL lineman. NFL lineman are athletes and they're able to move up and down the field. NFL lineman get on the field and contribute to games. NFL lineman are not 60% body fat. Show me a 6'2" 600 pound NFL lineman. That is basically the male equivalent of what she is.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Contradictions — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 20:54:42 GMT

"Muscle weighs as much as fat, pound for pound; however, muscle takes us less space. While I do not condone obesity, as a gym rat, I understand that it's impossible to have the stats that you do in regards to weight training and be "out of shape." I challenge ANYONE whom has posted previously to bench press the amount that you do, as many times as you do, and then call themselves "unfit." Ludicrous."

Okay...not to nit pick...but a couple of points:

A pound is a pound....everything that weighs a pound compared to something else that weighs a pound....is a pound...regardless of how much space it takes up - I don't get the point of this comment. Where is it misleading is that a 1 x 1 box of fat is going to weigh less than a 1 x 1 box of muscle...there is the proper comparison. That is where they get the "muscle weighs more than fat" analogy.

You state that you did not imply that Holley was fit based solely on her strength...but that IS exactly what your statement was. You made a direct relationship between her stats and ability to bench press a certain amount to her not being "unfit". You even framed it as a challenge to anyone who might disagree.

So what is your bottom line? What stats does a person have to have to be considered in shape? Weight is never an issue?

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Alexis Troha, Marco Island FL — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 16:58:36 GMT

Holley is a well educated highly spoken female who comes from a caring and loving family and community. The community of Alter High School has some of the best physicians in Dayton Ohio to attend to her health and every other athlete’s health in the school system. If there really was a red flag on her health pre season she would not be at every practice and every game dressed ready to go to take down the opposing team and want a win. She is a true athlete and an inspiring female who in ten years will be able to look back on her high school days and reminisce about being under the lights on a Friday night with screaming fans and the huge adrenaline rush when taking the field.
Holley is a young female still finding out who she is and who she will be when she is all grown up like every other teenage teammate of hers. Her choice of playing football has taught valuable lessons of life, dedication, hard work, rejection, self discipline, failure, self accomplishments, reaction time, responsibilities, and being a team player. She will be a fine young women and someone who will be a hard worker in our society today.
For those who ridicule her weight, she is a football player where weigh ins are weekly and stats are prevalent. She is a young female who needs encouragement and guidance in her journey of life and have true kind supporters.
I wish Holley only the best in life to hold her head up high and to always set new goals for herself.

I am a 2002 graduate from Alter High school along with her brother and sister- in-law and was fortunate enough to meet and talk to Holley at many tailgates for The Ohio State games. I am a physical therapist assistant and a certified personal trainer in Florida. I cheered through out my high school years at Alter, in college at UNLV and for the Cincinnati Bengals last season. I had only a few people tell me I was too tall to cheer in college and I tried out and made it and had some of the best growing experiences in life. No one can ever take those experiences away from me and I compare that to Holley’s accomplishments in life. GO KNIGHTS!

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

girlsshouldntplayfootballbeyondhighschool — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 19:31:52 GMT

haha, girls shouldnt play football in a guys world. If she plays college shes gonna get creamed.I dont care about her health, 40 yard time, her abilities. Bottomline if a girl wants to play football it should be in a womens league, but there are none which shows how many women would want to play professionally. Any big person can play football simply because of size. In her case it is of size. If she goes into college and plays or does it in the NFL (God forbid) then she won't last as long. Football is a guys sport period and seeing a girl wanted to go further than highschool football is just stretching it too far. Just the fact that shes a woman, overweight, not in shape, are some reasons why she cant play with the big guys. Yeah I know girls who like/love playing football but none of them want NFL or college level playing and on top of that it is clearly for guys not girls. Shes just jealous she cant be a cheerleader like the rest of the girls.

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

J.R. — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 20:50:13 GMT

As a Certified Personal Trainer, my first concern would be that Holley is at a weight that puts her at extreme health risk. As a realist, I also know that this is the norm for football players - especially linemen.
As a person, though, I say 'all the best to you, Holley!' I am happy that you enjoy playing football, and that you have been able to find coaches that will take a female player on their teams - that must have been a tough hurdle to overcome. I applaud your courage.
Lastly, let me implore you to consider taking action on your health before it's too late. I understand the physical needs for playing certain positions in football, but there are physical needs for LIFE, too, so it's up to you which is more important. Just make sure to reconsider your priorities when you are done with football!

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Nan, Melvin Michigan — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 01:53:40 GMT

Hey all you shallow idoits,,, your green monster is showing,, it is about a young woman playing football, not about fitting into a bikini,get real, and get a life,,,

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Diana Zimmerman, Clearfield PA — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 01:47:17 GMT

Holley You go girl! If you do go on playing football than you should check into the womens football League.They are the W.P.F.L ( Womens Professional Football leageu) And I.W.F.L (Idependent Womens League)So the person who wrote that there are no Womens Professional League IS WRONG!!!

A Girl on the Offensive Line?

Anonymous, ohio — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 21:52:56 GMT

to KP in Stubenville - just because you won the state game doesn't give you the right to be rude to the losing team, especially someone who's faced as much adversity as Holley. I would suggest a little more sportsmanship be added to your attitude, because, at the moment, you're not displaying any.

P.S. I have to wonder if you've ever played football or powerlifted? Both are incredibly hard, require a ton of self discipline and a lot of stamina.

It is MUCH easier to criticize if you are not the one doing anything.