Slimmed Down Phillips Leading By Example

And the most improved physique award goes to... Wade Phillips?

Surprisingly enough, yes. The Dallas Cowboys’ head coach showed up to training camp a full 40 pounds lighter than in 2009, when he could still be rightfully compared to, among other derisive figures popular on message boards, the Michelin Man.

The 63-year-old Phillips reportedly lost the weight as a matter of personal pride. Obviously, the coaches wry sense of humor remains in tact.  

"When you're young and lose weight, they say you look great," Phillips joked recently in the Dallas Morning News. "When you're old and lose weight, they ask 'Are you sick?' "

Phillips is hardly the only one around Valley Ranch who has slimmed from his 2009 form. Marion Barber, Roy Williams and Tony Romo each lost between 5-10 pounds--as did offensive linemen Marc Colombo and Robert Brewster.

The team hopes a slimmer Barber will mean more explosiveness, less contact, and therefore, less risk of injury. Williams, too, has drawn some praise with his new, more flighty frame.

"Roy Williams will be better lighter," said owner Jerry Jones.