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Eddie Lacy commits to losing 30 pounds this offseason, per report

The Packers' star running back has reportedly committed to dropping 30 pounds to improve his on-field performance.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

For Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy to return to his Pro Bowl form in 2016, he needs to trim the excess weight he carried this past year. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Lacy understands this, and has committed to dropping 30 before next season.

Lacy's lack of conditioning hardly qualifies as a secret. The star running back has never appeared svelte, but his waistline certainly appeared larger than in past seasons. Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed any lingering doubts during his season-ending press conference, saying, "I'm stating the obvious ... [Lacy] cannot play at the weight he did this season."

The Packers benched Lacy multiple times during the 2015 season as a form of motivation. While the running back responded with a few good games, he never battled back into shape. That perhaps explains Lacy's early fatigue during a 61-yard run during the playoffs.

If Lacy can successfully slim down, he wouldn't become the first running back from his draft class to makeover his body. Pittsburgh Steelers star Le'Veon Bell dropped over 20 pounds during his first NFL offseason, and went on to enjoy an All-Pro year. Likewise, Lacy's play could rebound should he arrive in better shape next training camp.

During his first two seasons with the Packers, Lacy managed at least 1,100 rushing yards and produced double-digit touchdowns. The running back finished with just 758 rushing yards and five total touchdowns in 2015.

Jason B. Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Acme Packing Company. He also serves as an NFL writer for SB Nation and Sports on Earth and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.