The Atlanta Falcons' Barkevious Mingo: A Force to Be Reckoned With

Barkevious Mingo, the former Cleveland Browns linebacker, has made a significant transformation this offseason. He has added about 20 pounds of muscle and worked in various roles in the Browns defense, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field.

Mingo's dedication to becoming stronger as a pass rusher was evident during his training camp preparation. He trained twice a day, with an impressive diet consisting of nearly 6,000 calories per day. His meals were designed to provide maximum energy and muscle growth, featuring combinations of baked potatoes, rice, chicken, beef, lasagna, and vegetables.

Mingo's impressive physique did not go unnoticed. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that he could be as heavy as 260 pounds, a significant increase from his previous weight of around 230 pounds. Tom Reed of first reported in April that Mingo had bulked up after spending five weeks in Dallas with ex-bodybuilder Vickie Gates.

The NFL can be unforgiving, and for Mingo, this season is crucial to establishing himself as a key player. The Browns declined to pick up his fifth-year option, making him an unrestricted free agent after 2016. However, the New England Patriots have given him a chance to prove himself once again.

Bill Belichick has a history of acquiring former first-round talents at discounted prices and getting more out of them than their previous teams did. Mingo is the latest example of this strategy, and it will be exciting to see how he performs in his new role with the Patriots. With his impressive physical transformation and work ethic, Mingo is certainly a player to watch this season.

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