Meginness’s story is a testament to how, with dedication and hard work, one can achieve the goals desired and live a successful life.
“My 600 Pound Life,“ which focuses on dramatic weight loss journeys, has inspired audiences for years. Middle school sports coach Mike Meginness is one of the stories featured in the series.
Appearing on Season 10, Meginness started off weighing a whopping 745 pounds. Today, he weighs 236 pounds. Here’s what he had to say about his journey, coaching, and the state of modern-day sports.
McElwain: Where do you see football going in the next 30 years?
Meginness: I see it more as a business and less as a sport. People are going to focus on contracts, NIL deals, and pay instead of just playing the game. It’s beginning not to be fun to watch pro sports anymore.
McElwain: Describe football in one word.
Meginness: Exciting.
McElwain: How do you think your time on “My 600 Pound Life” has impacted your coaching style?
Meginness: It’s given me the ability to actually coach. Before the show, I couldn’t walk around or even make it to the stadium to watch the games. Now, I can go every day and teach people the sport I love, while also teaching them that there is more to football than just the game.
McElwain: What’s your advice to anyone who wants to make it in football?
Meginness: Work hard, stay focused, listen and learn from your coaches, be confident, and never quit.
McElwain: What’s your advice to anyone on a weight loss journey?
Meginness: It’s not going to be easy. You will see both slow and fast losses. Celebrate it all. Keep going, no matter how much or little you lose.
McElwain: Where do you see yourself in 30 years?
Meginness: I hope to be in a position where I’m retired and able to watch my family succeed.
McElwain: Describe your journey in one word.
Meginness: Difficult.
McElwain: What has been a highlight of your coaching career?
Meginness: Seeing young boys grow to be young men and how they still come up and call me coach, and I get to hear about their new teams and seasons.
