The Mind Zone

Editors Note: The Mind Zone is a recurring AFM feature in which the nation's experts answer your questions. We have a good player who could be better, we feel, if he lost some weight. But, this player has seen guys like Jerome Bettis and Craig "Ironhead" Heyward on televison, and, given their success, he doesn't feel motivated to take the extra steps to be in good shape. Suggestions? If your player is truly overweight and that is the reason for him not performing as well as he could, it may be helpful for you to first explain why being overweight can hinder his performance (e.g. it decreases speed, limits agility, enhances fatigue). Next, discuss what factors are essential in becoming a successful player and what are not. If he believes his success is primarily due to being heavy because of the success of players like Bettis and Heyward, point out to him that both those players make up