Social media users mocked an unnamed Texas A&M football player after his appearance prompted comparisons with a 36-year-old construction worker. The reaction reflects the attention college players can receive for dramatic physical changes during the off-season, beyond their performance on the field.

The article says such transformations can result from six to eight months in a Division I strength-and-conditioning programme. It notes that many players are experiencing serious weight training for the first time, with demanding early-morning lifts representing a major change from high-school gym routines.