"I was in a downward spiral and never realized how big I was until I got to that point," said Singletary, who is also a local spokesman for Subway.

"Coach Jones, the other coaches and I made a bet that whoever lost the most weight would get free gas for a year."

Singletary's goal was to go down to 320 pounds within six months, but he dropped to 305, winning the bet. Since then, Singletary continued to lose more weight and has made health a top priority in life.

"The free gas was a huge motivator, but what was an even bigger motivator was that I never wanted to feel unhealthy ever again," he said.

Singletary, who once weighed 385 pounds, is now a relatively svelte 280, but he's not satisfied. He wants to shed another 40 pounds. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

Age: 38.

Profession: University of Hawai'i football defensive line coach.

Height: 6 feet 1.

Weight: 280 pounds.

Workout habits: "I work out every day. I (wake up) at 4:30 in the morning and drive to 24 Hour Fitness, where I start my routine on the treadmill, then go to the bicycle and other machines for intensive weight training. During football season, my workout is intensified when (I coach) essential skills, drills and essential plays to my hard-working group of defensive linemen. After football practice, midday meetings and a healthy, nutritious lunch, I go for a brisk afternoon walk and run while listening to tunes from the Motown and disco eras."

When and why I started working out: "I wouldn't have started working out if it hadn't been for the head football coach and my friend, June Jones."

My good foods/bad foods: "At Subway, I love that I can eat turkey and ham on garlic bread, and eat a turkey and bacon wrap without ever getting bored or guilty. My favorite bad food would be fried chicken with mashed potatoes. Sometimes I think we can cheat a little, but in moderation."

My biggest motivator: "My biggest motivator is my uncle, Mike Singletary, who is my mom's younger brother and a wonderful father figure to me. He has been there since I was born and continues to support me till this very day. He is my biggest motivator because he conquered all odds. He worked hard and played hard on the football field, and has won many awards, including the most coveted NFL Hall of Fame and won the Superbowl in 1986 for the Chicago Bears. He has shown me both on and off the field that anything is possible, and 'impossible' should never be in my vocabulary. Indeed he has proven that, and hopefully through God's guidance, I would love to follow in my uncle's footsteps."

What saves my sanity: "My better half, my best friend, my wife is the person who saves my sanity. Whenever I come home from a tough day at work, she is always there with the biggest smile. It is amazing to see how she tackles on work, takes care of our children and keeps the house clean and organized, while I'm busy with work and business. She is a lifesaver and the glue that keeps our family together, and the glue that keeps me together and sane."

My next challenge: "I would love to lose another 40 pounds. ... I would also like to run my very first Honolulu Marathon."