Oklahoma police officer David Jones of The Biggest Loser: Challenge America – Photo: NBC
This week on The Biggest Loser, Oklahoma police officer David Jones was the latest to leave the ranch a healthier man after being voted out of competition.
Although 51-year-old Jones of Bob Harper’s Blue Team faced the elimination vote for the first time in Season 14, David left the ranch a new man after learning what it takes to lead a healthier life. Walking into The Biggest Loser at 307 pounds, David lost 87 on the scale to now weigh a much slimmer and trimmer 220 pounds.
But The Biggest Loser paid off for David in more ways than one when it comes to leading a new life on the job and at home in front of the mirror.
The day after week six of The Biggest Loser, The Deadbolt caught up with David Jones to learn more about how the show had a positive effect on his image as a law enforcement officer in Kiefer, Oklahoma.
THE DEADBOLT: When you stood in the mirror in your police unform before you went on the ranch, how did that feel then as compared to now? What’s the difference?
DAVID JONES: A sideways glance is the way I always looked at myself passing a mirror in uniform. It was a second or second-and-a-half glance before I immediately turned away because it reminded me of what I looked like. Today I’ll spend quite a bit of time making sure everything is shinded up, all of the medals are polished and I look good. Just pride in the way I now look in that uniform.
THE DEADBOLT: It must feel and look great.
DAVID: It’s a little deceiving because I have body armor on. So, I’m actually a little thinner than the unform portrays. But still, all things being equal, I’m really happy. I mean, I had to get all new pants, all new shirts, all new leather, and all new body armor. It cost a couple of bucks but it was well worth it obviously. So, I spend a lot more time in the mirror than six months ago.
THE DEADBOLT: Can you tell us how you’re treated on the street now by your peers? That has to be significantly different.
DAVID: One of the biggest affirmations I’ve gotten is not about my appearance but my attitude from my co-workers. I’m so much more approachable and a lot more of them come to me for advice and instruction than they used to because my attitude just wasn’t wonderful.
For me, that’s the biggest thing, the appearance and the pride in what I accomplished at the ranch. That almost goes without saying because I’ve gotten that quite often. For me, the happiest part has been their comments about my attitude.
The Biggest Loser airs Monday nights at 8/7c on NBC.
What did you think of David’s journey on The Biggest Loser?