Former Pro Bowl left tackle Russell Okung revealed Monday night that he's lost over 100 pounds since his NFL playing days, thanks to a remarkable 40-day fast.
Answer: I fasted for 40 days with nothing but water. Yes, you read right!
— OKUNG ️ (@RussellOkung) June 6, 2023
The experience was so rich and rewarding that I’m going to do it again... pic.twitter.com/V2Fg5RsPvm
Okung was selected sixth overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2010 NFL Draft and spent six seasons with the franchise. He was a Pro Bowler during the 2012 campaign and helped the Seahawks win their first and only championship in February 2014 with a victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.
Okung spent one year with the Broncos in 2016 and three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers from 2017-19 (making his second Pro Bowl in 2017). He was traded to the Carolina Panthers in March 2020 and played one season with the organization, suiting up in just seven games.
A former star at Oklahoma State, Okung played 7,005 career NFL snaps, including 6,576 on offense and 429 on special teams. Okung played over 900 snaps in a season six times, including a career-high 1,131 (1,062 offensive) in 2016.
The 34-year-old's listed weight during his time on the gridiron, according to Pro Football Reference, was 310 pounds.
The reactions on social media in response to Okung's revelation of his 40-day fast included both amazement and near disbelief.
Day to day fasting for Ramadan is one thing but 40 days without food?? Sheeesh https://t.co/5gscvKFSlt
— Clevta (@Clevta) June 6, 2023
Pretty amazing https://t.co/JsOl10K3RW
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) June 6, 2023
In response to one congratulatory message on Twitter, Okung called his first fast "one of the best decisions (he's) ever made." One commenter asked him how much water he drank per day and if he allowed himself to have any coffee or vitamins, to which Okung replied "No coffee or vitamins. Varying ounces of water."
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!