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300 pounds has become the norm for NFL linemen

The dramatic increase in size among high school players mirrors the growth in pro and college football players.

The dramatic increase in size among high school players mirrors the growth in pro and college football players.

A recent analysis of NFL rosters by the Associated Press showed the number of 300-pounders has risen dramatically over the decades: From a single player (Gene Ferguson, of the Chargers) in 1970, to three in 1980, 94 in 1990, 301 in 2000 and 394 in 2009.

Consider: Of the 53-man rosters for the Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys for last season's playoff game, 28 were listed at 300 pounds or more - 13 Eagles and 15 Cowboys.

For comparison purposes, the composite weight of the five regular starters on the Eagles' offensive line has gone from 1,263 pounds in 1970 to 1,308 in 1980, 1,421 in 1990, 1,619 in 2000 and 1,646 for the projected line in 2010. At 320 pounds, right tackle Winston Justice weighs the least among the starters on the O-line.

The Eagles did not have a regular starter on the offensive line at more than 300 pounds until they drafted 330-pound tackle Antone Davis with the eighth overall pick in 1991.

According to heights and weights listed on rosters, 97 percent of 2,168 NFL players had body-mass indexes (a formula that considers weight and height) of 25 or greater, which is considered the threshold for the "overweight" category. The BMI is often considered an unfair gauge for NFL players because they lift weights extensively and have naturally large frames. Still, it's notable that 56 percent have BMIs of more than 30, which is the threshold for obesity, and 26 percent are at 35 or greater.

"Your joints are going to be aching," said Steelers offensive lineman Max Starks, who by almost every account, carries his 345 pounds quite well. "Your joints aren't going to be able to take all that pressure because they've been taking all that abuse from playing the sport, because it is barbaric at times, it's a grueling sport and you're going to have injuries."

Michele Macedonio, a nutritionist for the Cincinnati Bengals, cited another study that showed a sampling of collegiate offensive linemen averaged 27.4 percent body fat - the healthy range is 8 to 19 percent - and that 69 of 70 players already had at least one condition - high blood pressure, waist circumference of 40 inches or greater - that predicted they would be susceptible to heart disease later in life.

Looking at the listed weights on the rosters, Temple has 22 players at 300 pounds or more and the starting offensive line averages 316 pounds. Penn State has 14 players and the starting offensive line averages 303 pounds. The Nittany Lions also have monstrous defensive tackle Devon Still, at 6-5, 311.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.