Our MAN v FAT Texas leagues are coming toward the end of their first season and it’s fair to say the first three leagues in the state have been a huge success.
With two weeks to go in the first season at Houston and one week left in both The Colony and Keller, the total weight loss has reached an astounding 1,845lbs.
And with additional locations coming to the state in early 2026, Texas is quickly becoming a hotbed for MAN v FAT’s weight loss community.
We caught up with Richard Gerro and Luke Majewski from The Colony league, based in Dallas, to find out the secrets of their success.
1) Talk to us about why you decided to sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer earlier this summer
Richard: I began to put on a lot of weight. I didn’t like how I looked or felt. Growing up, I was involved with a lot of sports and am motivated by competition. I tried getting into softball to be active again, but it was disheartening being out there playing with people who acted like they still had a shot at making the MLB. When I saw the ad for MAN v FAT, I saw the potential of a league made up of people like me, so I thought I would give it a shot.
Luke: Earlier this summer various friends mentioned seeing The Colony had this fat guy soccer league. As a former HS and college soccer player who hasn’t played in 16 years, I wasn’t really into it. Still basketball at heart first. But then I saw an IG for it, because you know phones are listening. I looked deeper than just fat guys playing soccer, it’s a community with a coach and ACCOUNTABILITY. Okay cool, a jump start on my weight loss and refocus after job change, crazy travel and life schedule. It has gone above and beyond what I thought it would be.
2) How has the first season at The Colony gone, and how has Anthony supported you all so far?
Richard: I’ve had a lot of fun this first season. My team, St Fatrick’s FC, has developed a good support system. We talk daily, motivate each other, and hold each other accountable. Anthony has been great. He’s provided me with exercises to do in my spare time, given me information on gyms in the area, and has been a good source of support in my weight loss journey.
Luke: As a former athlete I know what to do, it’s the mental side that needed reinforcement. A support system in Anthony and my team and the league to create a sense of community and accountability. We overthink personal accomplishment and there’s the “I will start tomorrow” or “I’ll go back to the gym or I’ll eat healthy tomorrow.” Well tomorrow turns into a week a month and before you know it January 1. The accountability and community from Anthony keeps the mind in a state of ‘can’t let down my team or my coach’ which then leads to ‘gosh darn it, I feel good’. One week became two and then TRACKING what I eat not to the tune of calories protein etc just what I eat opened eyes to focus on whole Foods, single source, no processed. And after 3 weeks, a new LIFESTYLE was formed. I shed cravings, I bonded with my team and week 3 check in 14lbs shed. I didn’t miss bad foods anymore, I made a plan and missing a gym session and daily eating clean wasn’t a choice it was a must.
3) The guys in The Colony have lost in excess of 700lbs already. What has been the secret of the successes to date?
Richard: Community. I’ve made friends within my team and outside of the team. I’ve talked with people in the league about what works for them and what works for me. It’s that exchange of ideas and support league wide that helps a lot.
Luke: ACCOUNTABILITY – hands down the camaraderie and soccer is just the fun part. Being accountable in chats to your teammates and sharing wins and even losses but someone is there to pick you up with positivity. Don’t be angry you had a crappy day or meal, double down, add a workout move forward. Sometimes we forget as men there’s so many out there like us. Busy professionals, fathers, life moments, trials, problems, worries and we have someone to lean on who’s fighting the same fight.
4) Why has MAN v FAT Soccer worked for you, and what other benefits have you felt other than the weight you’ve lost?
Richard: It works for me because of the competition aspect. I don’t want to be the guy who costs my team a game because I didn’t work on the goals, track my food, or support my team. The biggest change is that I feel healthy and encouraged again. Before this league, I couldn’t run a mile. In the first game, I could barely last half the game. Now I’ve got my mile time down to 8 minutes (I know I can still get better), and I can play the entire game without subbing out, if need be. I now get comments at work and from friends about my appearance and that makes me feel good, though I’ve always been sexy.
Luke: A reminder that I’m not alone. We all have our problems and stressors but having a small community to talk to and mind you we were all strangers, I was a late add on and got taken in by Fat Man United like I was there from day one. We’ve bonded, socialized outside of game nights, and it shows in how we attack each week for our health.
5) What are your ongoing targets with MAN v FAT?
Richard (pictured above): To lose enough weight to get rid of the CPAP and then maintain the weight loss. Oh, and continue to have fun.
Luke: I started at 276 and I plan on finishing this year by getting by 22 year old college playing weight of 216. I sit today at 246, 30 down 30 to go and it’s been a physically and mentally changing 10 weeks thus far. My mind clarity has improved, physically changed, professionally my confidence and awareness has risen, no mid day drops in energy, it’s not just about weight loss out physical well being impacts all elements of our lives.
6) What would you say to any guy thinking of joining MAN v FAT Soccer ahead of season two?
Richard: BRUH! Do it. It’s fun and helpful.
Luke: Don’t wait, don’t ask yourself if you have time, MAKE TIME. Make yourself a priority and let the support and accountability of this organization and the team make you a better father, husband, friend, and professional. The weight loss is a bonus!
Want to get involved?
As well as our leagues in Texas, we also have locations in Florida and New York City! Take a look on our website for the leagues closest to you.
