Changes in Height, Body Weight, and Body Composition in American Football Players From 1942 to 2011

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to document changes in height (cm), body weight (kg), and body composition (%fat) of American football players from 1942 to 2011. Published articles were identified from databases and cross-referencing of bibliographies. Studies selected met the requirements of (1) having 2 of 3 dependent (height, body weight, and body composition) variables reported in the results; (2) containing a skill level of college or professional; (3) providing measured not self-reported data; and (4) published studies in English language journals. The data were categorized into groups based on skill level (college and professional). The player positions were grouped into 3 categories: mixed linemen (offensive and defensive linemen, tight ends, and linebackers), mixed offensive backs (quarterback and running backs), and mixed skilled positions (defensive backs and wide receivers). Linear regression was used to provide slope estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Unpaired t-tests were used to determine whether an individual regression slope was significantly different from zero. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.017. College level players in all position groups have significantly increased body weight over time (95% CI: mixed lineman 0.338-0.900 kg·y(-1); mixed offensive backs 0.089-0.298 kg·y(-1); mixed skilled 0.078-0.334 kg·y(-1)). The college level mixed linemen showed a significant increase over time for height (95% CI: 0.034-0.188 cm·y(-1)) and body composition (0.046-0.275% fat per year). Significant increases in body weight over time were found for professional level mixed lineman (95% CI: 0.098-0.756 kg·y(-1)) and mixed offensive backs (95% CI: 0.1800-0.545 kg·y(-1)). There were no other significant changes at the professional level. These data demonstrate that body weight of all college players and professional mixed lineman have significantly increased from 1942 to 2011.

Body Size Changes Among National Collegiate Athletic Association New England Division III Football Players, 1956−2014: Comparison With Age-Matched Population Controls

“…[10][11][12][13][14] Also established is the position dependence of the size increases, with the changes being most evident among offensive linemen. Data on this topic have been derived principally from Division I collegiate football programs, with only limited information available from Division III programs.…”

“…For this group of Division I players, the data consistently show progressive increases since the 1950s in mean body weight, body mass index (BMI) and, to a lesser extent, height. [10][11][12][13][14] The greatest increases are seen in offensive and defensive linemen.…”

Weight control practices of Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes

“…This finding concurs with previous research showing secular increases in the average size of collegiate football players. 9 Beyond the obvious performance benefits of increasing body mass, some of these attempts to gain weight may have been driven by societal pressures. Specifically, cultural messages regarding ideal body size have evolved over time to emphasize greater muscularity, particularly for men.…”

“…7,8 Collegiate American footballers, for example, have shown average weight increases of 0.16 to 0.57 kg per year for all position groups from 1959 to 2011. 9 Likewise, professional football lineman and offensive backs have shown average weight increases of -0.05 to 0.57 kg per year from 1942 to 2011. 9 Obviously, a desire to increase body weight will depend heavily on the sport being examined.…”

“…9 Likewise, professional football lineman and offensive backs have shown average weight increases of -0.05 to 0.57 kg per year from 1942 to 2011. 9 Obviously, a desire to increase body weight will depend heavily on the sport being examined. Regardless, a larger general population, financial incentives, and the widespread use of anabolic substances are factors driving these longitudinal changes among selected sports that have been studied.…”