How big is too big? This is a common question being asked in the game of Football today, in recent light of the death of 6’3, 310 lb. offensive lineman Thomas Herrion of the San Francisco 49ers.

Herrion collapsed and died suddenly after a preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Saturday, August 20th. His cause of death was a clogged artery causing him to go into cardiac arrest.

There is much speculation that the young 23 year olds weight had much to do with it. His death comes only four summers after the death of Korey Stringer, offensive lineman of the Minnesota Vikings. 300 pound plus Stringer also collapsed on the field, dying instantly.

Being over 300 pounds gives you a great advantage when you are playing the offensive line unfortunately the weight is being used as a standard just to be recruited as offensive linemen. In 1976 there was only one player in the NFL that was over 300 pounds; today there is well over 100. This is not only affecting the make-up of the NFL, but it is affecting the college and high school ranks as well. Younger players who strive to be offensive linemen must conform to the 300-pound lifestyle in order just to be considered for a job in the NFL and the NFL players must keep their form just to keep their jobs.

These 300-pound men are not fat slobs however, they are in top condition and they need to be to sustain the riggers of the NFL. Their weight consequently, according to espn.com puts them at higher risks for ailments such as heart disease, sleep apnea, and heat stroke.

This problem needs to be addressed, because this is not only affecting the lives of NFL players, it is affecting the lives of children who want to be like their heroes. The price of winning should never be more than the price of a healthy life.