The Cheeseburger Conundrum: When Bulking Up Isn’t Just About the Scale
There’s something oddly poetic about Andy Reid, a man famously fond of cheeseburgers, cautioning his star left tackle, Josh Simmons, against gaining what he calls “cheeseburger weight.” It’s a phrase that immediately grabs your attention—not just because it’s funny, but because it encapsulates a deeper truth about athleticism, discipline, and the often misunderstood nature of physical performance.
Simmons, currently hovering around 285-290 pounds, is an anomaly in the NFL. At 6-foot-5, he’s leaner than nearly every offensive tackle in the league, yet he’s managed to hold his own against 300-pound defenders. Personally, I think this is where the story gets fascinating. What makes Simmons so effective isn’t his size; it’s his athleticism, leverage, and technique. Reid’s comment about “cheeseburger weight” isn’t just a quip—it’s a reminder that not all weight is created equal.
The Myth of the 300-Pound Lineman
For decades, the NFL has glorified the massive offensive lineman—the bigger, the better. But Simmons challenges this stereotype. In my opinion, his success at a lighter weight raises a deeper question: Are we overvaluing bulk in a sport that’s becoming faster and more dynamic? What many people don’t realize is that adding weight for the sake of it can compromise agility, endurance, and even health. Simmons’ ability to thrive at his current weight suggests that the traditional playbook might need rewriting.
Reid’s skepticism about Simmons bulking up to 300 pounds is telling. He’s not just protecting his player’s health; he’s acknowledging that Simmons’ unique strengths lie in his athleticism. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a rare moment where a coach is prioritizing quality over quantity—a philosophy that’s as refreshing as it is unconventional.
The Pressure to Conform
What’s particularly interesting here is the psychological aspect. Simmons himself feels the need to bulk up, despite his success at a lighter weight. This speaks to the ingrained belief that size equals effectiveness—a belief that’s hard to shake, even for a first-round draft pick. From my perspective, this highlights the pressure athletes face to conform to outdated standards. Simmons’ journey isn’t just about gaining weight; it’s about navigating expectations while staying true to what makes him exceptional.
The Broader Implications
This story isn’t just about Josh Simmons or the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s a microcosm of a larger shift in sports science and training. As we learn more about the importance of functional strength and mobility, the idea of “cheeseburger weight” becomes increasingly outdated. What this really suggests is that the future of athleticism might lie in smarter, more targeted approaches to physical conditioning—not just piling on pounds for the sake of it.
A Detail That I Find Especially Interesting
A detail that I find especially interesting is Simmons’ weight loss since the Scouting Combine, where he weighed 317 pounds. It’s not uncommon for players to slim down after college, but Simmons’ transformation is notable. Was this intentional? Did he feel lighter was better for his game? These questions point to a level of self-awareness and adaptability that’s rare in professional athletes.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the most important thing for the Chiefs is that Simmons is healthy and effective. Whether he gains weight or not, his ability to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blind side will be the ultimate measure of his success. Personally, I think Reid’s approach here is spot-on. By focusing on what works for Simmons—not what’s expected of him—he’s setting his player up for long-term success.
If there’s one takeaway from this story, it’s that athleticism isn’t one-size-fits-all. Simmons’ journey challenges us to rethink our assumptions about what it takes to excel in sports. And as for “cheeseburger weight”? Well, let’s just say it’s a term that’s earned its place in the sports lexicon—but not as a goal.
