The Carolina Panthers’ coaching staff hasn’t just cut dead weight from their roster: They’ve always cut it off their waistlines.  In a show of solidarity, unity and commitment, a group of 26 staff members has shed more than 500 pounds.  

Since the finale of last season, head coach and all-around teddy bear John Fox has dropped 25 pounds, while offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson has lost a jaw dropping 71.  The winner of the team’s own season of “The Biggest Loser,” though, based on total loss percentage is offensive live coach Dave Magazu who whittled 62 admirable pounds from his once-too-generous gut.

Orchestrated by Panthers trainer Ryan Vermillion following team owner Jerry Richardson’s own struggles with cardiovascular health, the staff split into a “big guy” and “little guy” group, as Fox explains.  With each competitor adding cash to the package, inspiration wasn’t hard to find.  ”One thing about coaches, make it a competition and put a little money on it, it ain’t bad,” Fox explained.

Staff members aren’t the only Carolinians taking a look at their health, defensive tackle Damione Lewis admits that the weight loss challenge has been inspiring to the team.  ”Coach Fox is walking around talking that he’s under 200 and all that,” Lewis smiles.  ”We’ll see once the season starts.”

Given the staff’s penchant for hard work and dedication, there’s no doubt the commitment won’t waver, morphing the entire Panthers organization into a lean winning machine.