Houston Texans coach attributes sleep apnea treatment for Mario Williams’ weight loss

Word is getting out on NFL rosters about the benefits of identifying and treating obstructive sleep apnea.

Mario Williams, the Houston Texans star defensive linemen, appeared this week at the teams first organized team activity 10 pounds lighter, according to an article on the team’s website.

Head coach Gary Kubiak said he thinks the former first overall draft pick lost weight because he had surgery for sleep apnea about a month ago.

He mentioned offensive lineman Antoine Caldwell also recently had the same treatment.

Kubiak speaks with familiarity on the topic; he also had surgery for sleep apnea this offseason.

NFL players are more likely to have sleep apnea than other men their age. The bulkiest positions, offensive and defensive linemen, are at the highest risk to develop the sleep disorder.

The death of retired Green Bay Packer Reggie White raised the league’s awareness of sleep apnea. Reports indicate the disorder may have played a role in the 43-year-old’s death.