The 2012 NFL preseason is just around the corner, and while hordes of fans are sitting on their couches, chomping potato chips, drinking beer and waiting for their favorite teams to suit up and play, the league’s brightest stars have already been hard at work getting into the best shape of their lives. Off-season workouts are over and camp is about to start where the real football work gets done, so we decided it was the perfect time to run down the league’s fittest football players.
Nearly every player in the NFL is already an elite athlete, but these 25 players are a notch above the rest. These are the guys that you’ll find in the gym seven days a week, year round. These are the guys that don’t take a break from their diets to pig out on hot dog-stuffed crust pizza. And these are the guys that will, undoubtedly, make some of the most significant differences in the games you’ll see this year.
Reggie Bush – Running Back – Miami Dolphins
At 6'3" and 203 pounds, 2005 Heisman Trophy winner (who voluntarily gave up the award in 2010 after the USC football program sanctions), Reggie Bush is one of the most dynamic and well-rounded players in the entire NFL. The ultra-popular running back uses his quickness, power, and agility to maintain his position as one of the league’s top gainers in yards from scrimmage nearly every year. Not satisfied in just being a fantastic rusher and pass receiver, Bush is easily the most fit football player currently donning a uniform.
Men’s Fitness profiled Bush’s super intense off-season workouts and found the explosive back practicing an exhaustive acrobatic regimen, developed by Kappel LeRoy Clarke, called Fre Flo Do that takes place entirely on a treadmill-like machine (that also rotates) called the Launchpad. All this has Bush diving over huge balls, backpedaling up the machine, and catching medicine balls from above his head. "He's probably the most powerful and quickest athlete I've ever had on the Launchpad,” said Clarke in the same piece. Moral of the story? Reggie Bush is a fitness machine and one of the most jacked NFL players you’ll find on the gridiron today. Plus, you don’t get to date Kim Kardashian unless you’re ripped, right?
Adrian Peterson – Running Back – Minnesota Vikings
Easily one of the best players in the league, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been torching the competition since he first stepped foot on an NFL field. He’s not only been the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, a Pro Bowl MVP, and the fifth fastest player in NFL history to rush for 5,000 yards, but Peterson has actually run for over 1,000 yards in every year he’s been in the league until 2011 (when an injury shortened his season to only 12 games)—and even then he only came up 30 yards shy of the mark. And while his statistics might overshadow those of our fittest player, Peterson comes a very close second.
The 6'1", 217-pound back is a beast both on and off the field (just ask the Houston Police Department). “All Day” spends just about that much time in the gym (when he’s not on the field, that is) working on his calves, quads, and hammies to maintain the game breaking speed that helped him run a 4.4 second 40-yard dash. Men’s Fitness caught up with Peterson during his rookie season and got the scoop on how his NFL diet also helps the explosive running back stay lean. “I try to eat a lot of baked foods, fish, chicken, potatoes, stuff like that. Grab me a Muscle Milk. That helps,” said Peterson. Whatever it is, it’s clearly working.
Larry Fitzgerald – Wide Receiver – Arizona Cardinals
If you’re surprised the 6'3", 218-pound wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, Larry Fitzgerald, is on this list, you shouldn't be. The third overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft made our 2009 MF 25 list where we talked about how Fitzgerald uses his off-season to strengthen his speed and leaping ability by concentrating on “box jumps and track drills.” Not only that, but this genetic freak and EAS Sports Nutrition athlete is one of the very best receivers in the league, having lead Arizona all the way to Super Bowl XLIII and grabbing the 2009 Pro Bowl MVP. We even profiled the All Pro’s entire workout, which includes hurdle drills, chute drills, medicine ball sit-ups, and power snatches to go along with those explosive box jumps. All this leads to one lean mean football machine that’s going to be a Cardinals receiver for a long time as Fitzgerald just inked an eight-year, $120 million contract extension. Maybe now he can start box jumping on boxes filled with hundred dollar bills; that should give his legs a workout!
Clay Matthews III – Linebacker – Green Bay Packers
A 2011 MF 25 selection, Clay Matthews has ridden his 6'3", 255-pound frame and his long, flowing blonde locks to fame as one of the most recognizable faces in the NFL today. Matthews may have been a walk-on at USC, but he quickly bulked up and started terrorizing opposing quarterbacks on his way to becoming a top prospect for the 2009 NFL Draft (eventually going 26th overall to the Green Bay Packers). At the combine, he impressed scouts with a 4.67 40-yard dash time, by benching 225 pounds a total of 23 times, and logging a 35.5” vertical leap. Matthews stays in peak physical condition by following the Jay Glazer and Randy Couture founded MMAthletics regimen. It’s a high intensity workout (detailed in a FoxSports.com article by Glazer himself) that keeps players like Matthews and Jared Allen ready for anything on the field and helps them become absolute warriors, let alone fantastic football players.
Vernon Davis – Tight End – San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis also made our previous list of fittest NFL players, and for good reason. The 6'3", 250-pound bruiser is easily the fittest tight end in the league today. Not only has his ever-increasing production at the position helped the 49ers climb back into the realm of the NFL elite, but the guy is also just an absolute genetic freak. He posts a blazing 4.38 seconds time in the 40-yard dash, has a vertical leap of 42", bench presses over 450 pounds, power cleans 365, and can squat nearly 700 pounds. Yes, you heard that right—700 pounds. Davis’ unstoppable exercise routine and super lean diet helps him maintain his freak-of-nature size and strength, but it’s the tight end’s dedication and heart that makes him a standout on the field of play.
Patrick Willis – Linebacker – San Francisco 49ers
The 6'1! 240-pound linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers strikes fear into the hearts of opposing offenses not just with the tattoos covering nearly his entire torso, but also with his extreme speed (it should be illegal for a man Patrick Willis’ size to run a 4.51 second 40-yard dash), his massive strength (22 consecutive reps of a 225-pound bench press), and off the charts agility (including a 39” vertical leap and a 119” broad jump). If that wasn’t enough to impress you, think about the fact that Willis reportedly squats 500 pounds. And how does he get (and stay) this jacked? In a 2010 Stack.com video interview, the 2007 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year detailed his unique homegrown workout, which consists of basically whatever feels right to him. Growing up, Willis didn’t have free weights or a gym to use, so he used whatever he could find to keep his body in shape, including push ups, sit ups, and other plyometric exercises. It sure seems to have worked for one of the fittest current defensive players in the NFL.
Terrell Owens – Wide Receiver – Free Agent
Even though Terrell Owens isn’t currently suiting up for any NFL team, that doesn’t mean he’s completely out of the mix. He played briefly for the Allen Wranglers of the IFL (Indoor Football League) but, after being released by the team, has been seen trying out for the Miami Dolphins with his buddy Chad Ochocinco (who recently signed with the team). Regardless of his current status, his past controversial behavior, or his immense production in the prime of his career, one thing has always stayed constant for TO: he’s perennially one of the fittest players in the league. He’s a big target at 6'3", 224 pounds and sports a ripped physique that landed him on the cover of Men’s Fitness a few years back. He’s even got his own line of resistance bands, but as MF noted when we listed him previously as one of the NFL’s fittest players, his fitness is likely due more to his high-protein diet and gym-rat mentality than it is his silly bands. NFL fans would only be so lucky to see him catching passes and running through defensive backs in 2012.
Brady Quinn – Quarterback – Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brady Quinn is a physical specimen you rarely see at the quarterback position. The 6'3", 235-pound QB is built like a brick house. No, we mean he literally feels like he’s made of bricks. He made our 2008 MF 25 list and, at the combine before his rookie season, Quinn broke the quarterback record with 24 reps of the 225-pound bench press. The 27-year-old is a spokesperson for Myoplex for a reason; he’s relentless in the gym, is unquestionably physically gifted, and, unbelievably, carries only five percent body fat. That’s crazy. Quinn mentions that he focuses a lot on his arms and shoulders with his workouts (though he reportedly also squats over 500 pounds), and even works diligently to improve and maintain his flexibility. And while the young quarterback has yet to see a truly season in the NFL, it’s certainly not for lack of physical fitness. If anything, it’s Quinn’s amazing resiliency that’s keeping him in the game.
Maurice Jones-Drew – Running Back – Jacksonville Jaguars
Another guy that’s short in stature, but packs a whole lot of power is Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew. With powerhouse fullback Greg Jones blocking in front of him, the 5'7", 208-pound Jones-Drew is able to realize the full potential of his 4.39-second 40-yard dash speed and his 36” vertical leap. Talk about strong legs! That’s one insanely quick running back. Not to mention the fact that he posted 18 reps of the 225-pound bench press and routinely runs right through defensive backs trying to take him down.
Jones-Drew made Men’s Fitness’ previous list of fittest NFL players where he credited the help of “core-building exercises” for giving him the power and explosiveness Jaguars fans have come to know and love. Oh, and they also helped give him a physique worthy of ESPN The Magazine’s Annual Body Issue. Well, well, well.
Tim Tebow – Quarterback – New York Jets
You look at Tim Tebow with his schoolboy looks and his squeaky-clean image and you wonder how he can possibly make it in the National Football League. Then you peek a little further under the surface and see that Tebow is a health nut that keeps himself in top physical condition at all times. He’s amazingly fit and stronger than you’d ever believe. The 6'3", 236 pound New York Jets quarterback (who performed late-game heroics a number of times to help lead the 2011 Denver Broncos to their first AFC West title and playoff game since 2005) might not have the prettiest mechanics on the field, but his work ethic is second to none.
Tebow runs a 4.72-second 40-yard dash and has a 38.5” vertical leap. He made the 2009 MF 25 and has been known to bench nearly 500 pounds. Tebow even recently took to training jiu-jitsu in the off-season with the legendary Gracie family. Love him or hate him, you can’t deny that the guy is an absolute workhorse. Oh, and he also won two national championships and a Heisman Trophy. Who’s laughing now?
Greg Jones – Running Back – Jacksonville Jaguars
As if it’s not enough that every Jacksonville Jaguars opponent has to be worried about Maurice Jones-Drew breaking a game-changing run, they also have to be scared out of their jockstraps that the 6'1", 254-pound fullback Greg Jones is looking for someone to block right into the next zip code. Imagine, if you will, the Incredible Hulk came to life and started playing fullback for the Jacksonville Jaguars. That’s a little bit like what it is to be Greg Jones. The guy is just enormous (and enormously talented). In addition to running a 4.55-second 40-yard dash, and logging a 37.5” vertical jump, Jones routinely benches 400 pounds, squats over 500, and can power clean over 350. We sat down a few weeks ago to ask the fullback what it is that he does to stay so fit:
“My main thing is just don’t be lazy,” Jones said. “I’m very dedicated to staying fit. One of the things that sets me apart from some other players in the league are the people I surround myself with. I have great people around me. We’re always lifting each other up when we have bad days.”
Jones told us he does a lot of squats to increase his power and keeps a very clean, healthy diet throughout most of the year.
“I eat very lean during the season, so I always give myself a little break in the offseason. If I’ve been craving baked goods, like Sweet Potato Pie, I’ll give myself a little treat, but then it’s right back to eating healthy again.”
Note to every Jacksonville Jaguars opponent in 2012: Send Greg Jones baked goods before every game. It’s your only hope.
Chris Johnson – Running Back – Tennessee Titans
Arguably the fastest man in football, Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson has the ability to change an entire game in a split second. And we actually mean one second. The guy runs an astonishing 4.24-second 40-yard dash, has a 35” vertical leap, and a 130” broad jump. Once the Vince Young experiment ended, Johnson quickly became the number one Titans star, even rushing for over 2,000 yards in the 2009 season (the same season he was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year). Men’s Fitness doesn’t just profile anyone’s workout regimen. No, they need to have a reason. And if CJ’s explosiveness and lightening quick speed isn’t a good reason, then we don’t know what is. He maintains the speed that helped him to break the NFL single season record for total yards from scrimmage (2,509) with a mixture of single-leg squats, reps on the Vertimax, and a variety of other explosive exercises. You, on the other hand, might want to work on strengthening your eyes for the 2012 season. Otherwise, you’re likely to miss Johnson streaking across your television screen as he runs for another touchdown.
Robert Griffin III – Quarterback – Washington Redskins
It remains to be seen just how well RG3 adapts to the NFL style of play, but if fitness level and the Baylor Pro Day workout are any indication, Robert Griffin III is going to have a very long and very successful career. The six foot two 220 pound quarterback impressed NFL scouts with a near flawless throwing performance during the workout and showed why he won the 2011 Heisman Trophy and deserved to be the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. The former record-breaking track star has turned his speed, dedication, and raw football talent into a potential goldmine. He’s finally given Redskins fans someone to cheer for and, that alone, is a mighty feat.
Kellen Winslow, Jr. – Tight End – Seattle Seahawks
Kellen Winslow, Jr. might just have had one of the most unfortunate and harrowing starts to an NFL career of all time. Two games into his 2004 rookie season with the Cleveland Browns, the University of Miami All-American broke his right fibula. He was expected to return in 2005 before he tore the ACL in his right knee when he crashed his motorcycle during the off-season. The tight end even battled a nasty staph infection for six weeks before finally returning to the gridiron in 2006 and eventually emerging as the star he was promised to be during the 2007 season. He spent three excellent seasons in Tampa Bay before being traded to the Seattle Seahawks this past May. The 6'4", 240-pound tight end can reportedly bench an impressive 340 pounds and showed off his core-strengthening abdominal workout (and his ripped physique) in a 2010 issue of Maximum Fitness Magazine.
Antonio Cromartie – Defensive Back – New York Jets
New York Jets defensive back Antonio Cromartie is not only one of the best cover cornerbacks in the entire league, but he’s also arguably one half the very best duo of defensive backs on the planet (the other half is Jets cornerback Darelle Revis). At 6'2" and 210 pounds, Cromartie is not only fast, explosive and agile, but, despite his missteps off the field, he’s also a highly intelligent veteran. Cromartie was kind enough to sit down recently with Men’s Fitness for a quick chat about how he continues to maintain his fitness level.
“I’m big on nutrition,” Cromartie said. “Once I got to New York in 2010, I got with a nutritionist and now my diet consists of mostly vegetables, brown rice, fish and chicken. I don’t really eat red meat. I try to stick to low-portion, high-protein meals.”
Cromartie, however, wasn’t always so careful about what he put in his body. “I used to eat Oreos and McDonald’s,” he said, laughing. “I used to just eat anything.”
But it’s not just diet that keeps Cromartie in just good shape. He’s also very dedicated to the workout regimen that helps him maintain his fitness year round.
“I think what sets me apart from other players is dedication,” Cromartie told us. “I always take pride in what I do eating wise, football wise, and workout wise. I always to compete with myself to make sure I improve on everything I do.”
C.J. Spiller – Running Back – Buffalo Bills
One of the most exciting young running backs in the league, Buffalo Bills tailback C.J. Spiller is also one of the fittest players in the NFL. The 5'11", 197-pound running back runs a blazing fast 4.37-second 40-yard dash and his broad jump of 10'6" at Clemson’s Pro Day helped make him the ninth overall draft pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. He’s as explosive and fun to watch as anyone in the league and, the scary thing is, this twenty-four-year-old running back is only going to get better and better. Spiller agreed to chat with Men’s Fitness a few weeks ago to give us a little insight into what he does to stay in peak physical condition.
“I do a lot of exercising,” the Clemson All-American told us. “I take great pride in running and having my endurance at the highest peak. I also watch what I eat very closely. I’m a picky and healthy eater. I’ve always been told ‘You’ve only got one heart, so take good care of it.’”
In the off-season, Spiller even practices a form of Mixed Martial Arts training to help keep his body running smoothly.
“I go out to California,” he said, “where we do the MMA training. It’s just a different aspect of trying to get that conditioning right and pushing yourself when you don’t think you can go anymore. That’s something I just started doing when I came into the NFL, so I was glad to be a part of that.”
Spiller also said he pulls sleds and runs hills to maintain his incredible speed. “When I’m in California training, they have the Sand Dunes and we do a lot of workouts there as well. Even when I do take a little mini-vacation, I’ll wake up early and go run on the beach.”
Take a break when you’re on those vacations, C.J. You have a long and bright NFL career ahead of you.
Andre Johnson – Wide Receiver – Houston Texans
Drafted third overall in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, a lot has been expected of 6'3", 226-pound receiver Andre Johnson. And boy has he delivered, racking up numerous Texans franchise records as well as a few NFL records for receiving. He’s now a crafty veteran who relies on his 4.35-second 40-yard dash speed and his 41” vertical leap to soar past the competition. Johnson also boasts an insanely fit body (he made the 2010 MF 25) that benefits from a rigorous off-season workout regimen (detailed in this Men’s Fitness profile) as well as exercises specifically to help the receiver maintain his pinpoint balance. He’s a gym rat that’s not afraid to mix it up when he has to and, because of that, he’s one of the NFL’s fittest current players.
Ray Rice – Running Back – Baltimore Ravens
Good things come in small packages, right? That’s certainly the case for former Rutgers University standout Ray Rice. One of the shortest players on our list, the Baltimore Ravens second all-time rusher in yards and attempts may only stand 5'8" and weigh 212 pounds, but his presence looms large in every single game. Due to a unique combination of speed and power (he’s been known to bench over 400 pounds and squat over 500), Rice has quickly become one of the league’s best running backs.
So how does he stay so fit? In addition to the conventional power exercises, Rice has even called upon his former New Jersey high school coaches to provide a change of pace. Stack.com detailed in a 2011 article some of Rice’s more interesting workouts which include beach sprints, resistance band sprints, and shuttle runs. Wait, you mean the beach is good for things other than laying out and drinking beer? Hmm…
Julius Peppers – Defensive End – Chicago Bears
The biggest man on our list, Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers is not only one of the best defensive linemen in the game, he’s also one of the fastest. Peppers moves his 6'7", 287-pound body around like he’s a lightweight, clocking in on the 40-yard dash in 4.68 seconds. After a few lackluster seasons in Carolina, Peppers has revitalized his career as a member of the bruising Chicago Bears defense by using his rare mixture of strength, speed, size, and raw ability to overpower and outrun his opponents. Imagine trying to block a man his size. Now imagine trying to block a man his size at the speed that Peppers moves. Exactly. Good luck with that.
Peyton Hillis – Running Back – Kansas City Chiefs
He may not have believed in curses before the 2011 season, but Madden NFL 12 cover boy Peyton Hillis certainly believes in them now. After a breakout season for the Cleveland Browns in 2010, the 6'2", 250-pound running back fell back down to Earth in 2011, rushing for only 587 yards and three touchdowns. Looking for a fresh start with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012, Hillis will use his immense power to try and make good on the promise he showed a little over a year ago in Cleveland. And don’t think that Hillis’ muscular frame comes all from bench presses and traditional squats. Oh, sure, he’s good at those too. At the NFL Combine before his rookie season, Hillis benched 225 pounds a total of 26 times, so he clearly knows how to push weight. But, as a 2008 profile by the Denver Post notes, the country boy’s real strength comes from years of truck pulling and hog wrestling. Take note, future NFL stars. Hog wrestling.
Cam Newton – Quarterback – Carolina Panthers
Some athletes are just genetically gifted. Take, for instance, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Quarterbacks are not supposed to be 6'5", 248 pounds and move with the nimble feet of a feline. For someone that size to be able to run a 4.59 second 40-yard dash, have a vertical leap of 35”, and a broad jump of 126” inches is almost unfair to the rest of the league. Unfortunately for the rest of the NFL’s teams, crazy genes aren’t on the list of prohibited substances. And so Cam Newton is free to run around in the backfield and throw passes to his receivers with laser-like precision. He’s so gifted and unique that Sport Science even took the time to try to figure out just what makes Cam so different from all the other NFL quarterbacks. We’re inclined to think it has something to do with Wheaties. Lots and lots of Wheaties.
Doug Martin – Running Back – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yet to be tested on the NFL gridiron, 2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft pick Doug Martin is looking forward to using the elite strength and speed that he displayed at Boise State University to catapult him to NFL stardom. The 5'9", 219-pound running back is a tight, fit package that has the ability to turn on a dime. He’s so strong, in fact, that he tied for first among running backs at the NFL combine during the 225-pound bench press test, completing 28 consecutive reps. Only time will tell how well Martin’s skills adjust to the rigor of an NFL schedule but, in the meantime, he’s already added himself to the list of the league’s fittest players.
Miles Austin – Wide Receiver – Dallas Cowboys
You might not expect a little-known wide receiver from Monmouth University in New Jersey to become one of the NFL’s premiere wide receivers, but you also don’t expect many wideouts to put up the kind of numbers that Miles Austin put up at the 2006 NFL combine. The 6'2", 215-pound receiver posted a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, a 40.5” vertical leap, a 123” broad jump, and he bench pressed 225 pounds a total of 23 times. Those numbers are staggering. Imagine what NFL scouts thought when they first saw Austin overshadowing nearly every prospect that had gone to big name colleges. Physically gifted, to be sure, but it’s Miles’ work ethic during the season and in the offseason that keeps him so fit. He told AOLNews.com, in a 2011 interview, that he continues a steady diet of cardio, yoga and gradual weightlifting to keep his body running smoothly during his time off. Whatever he’s doing, it worked well enough to get a few dates with a certain beautiful Kardashian sister.
Justin Tuck – Defensive End – New York Giants
Quarterbacks love to hate New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck. That’s because his enormous 6'5", 268 pound frame is right in their face on just about every play. His uncanny speed for a man his size has made Tuck one of the league’s most dangerous pass rushing threats and a fan favorite in New York. Consistently, he told Men’s Health in a 2008 interview, is the key for the big man. He stays within himself, is dedicated to his workout regimen, and doesn’t overextend himself by doing too much. Whatever it is, it’s working. Just ask Tom Brady.
Dez Bryant – Wide Receiver – Dallas Cowboys
NFL scouts might have been a bit unsure about Dez Bryant’s physical abilities when he missed both the scouting combine and Oklahoma’s Pro Day prior to the 2010 NFL Draft. The questions in their minds, however, were quickly answered during Bryant’s private workout where the talented wide receiver impressed with both his football knowledge and his incredible fitness. And while he may have experienced some controversial moments off the field over the last three years, Bryant’s speed and 38” vertical leap have helped him to become a key target in the Dallas Cowboys office. He had a breakout year in 2011 across from receiver Miles Austin and is looking toward 2012 to become a bona fide star.
Nearly every player in the NFL is already an elite athlete, but these 25 players are a notch above the rest. These are the guys that you’ll find in the gym seven days a week, year round.