Jelly Roll, the country music star born Jason DeFord, recently stunned fans and the Tennessee Titans alike when he revealed he’s lost 200 pounds—a transformation years in the making. Speaking to the team before their preseason road trip, the Nashville native drew parallels between their time on the road and his own grueling tour schedule, which keeps him away from home nearly 300 days a year. He encouraged the players to use that time to build trust, friendships, and a sense of community, just as he’s done with his band.
The 39-year-old, once weighing 540 pounds, now weighs 357 and aims to lose another 100 so he can fulfill a dream of skydiving with his wife in Sweden. His weight loss journey, marked by overcoming food addiction and making small but consistent lifestyle changes, has been public, both to inspire others and keep himself accountable.
Fans flooded social media with praise for his dedication and transformation, applauding not only the physical change but the positive mindset that’s fueled it. For Jelly Roll, the fight has been about more than the scale—it’s been about becoming a better husband, son, and person, proving that with discipline and heart, lasting change is possible.