Jets coach Rex Ryan now 106 pounds lighter

New York, NY, United States (4E Sports) – A lighter, slimmer coach Rex Ryan will report to the New York Jets’ training camp next week.

Ryan said he has lost 106 pounds, from 348 to 242, and 10 inches around his waistline — from 48 to 38 — after undergoing lap-band surgery more than two years ago.

“I obviously look a lot better,” said Ryan during a media blitz to promote lap-band surgery. “I may not be a box of chocolates, but I look a hell of a lot better than I did.”

With his current weight, Ryan actually weighs less than his backup quarterback Tim Tebow. “I think we look real similar, except he’s left-handed and I’m right-handed,” Ryan said.

Ryan said he decided to undergo lap-band surgery after tipping the scales at 348 pounds few days before the 2010 AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts.

“I mean, I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I swear to you, I wanted to look to see if someone was behind me.”

At that point, Ryan decided to have the lap-band procedure together with twin brother Rob, a defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Since then, Rex has lost more than 100 pounds while Rob lost 60 pounds.

After reaching the 100-pound mark during a recent vacation in Europe, Ryan considers himself as very fortunate.

“I know how fortunate I am,” said Ryan. “I make a lot of money doing something I love. I’m only one of 32 guys that has this position — head coach in the National Football League. But without your health, what do you really have?”

“I want to see my kids grow up, and I want to see their kids grow up. That was important to me. Selfishly, that’s why I did it,” he added.

Entering training camp, Ryan said he looks forward to erasing the memory of a disappointing 8-8 record last season, missing the playoffs after two consecutive stints in the AFC title game.

“I think I’ve looked forward to this season probably more than any season I’ve had in my life,” he said. “I have something to prove. Shoot, I’m excited about it.”

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