Derek Lunsford scored a metaphorical touchdown at this year’s Super Bowl of bodybuilding. After winning the 212 Mr. Olympia title, Lunsford moved to the Open category in 2022. This year, he became the first two-division Mr. Olympia after defeating Hadi Choopan at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. However, with the offseason in progress, Lunsford is taking it easy.

While the champion didn’t slack off and went back to the gym shortly after winning the Sandow trophy, the bodybuilder is ramping up the intensity gradually. However, the newly crowned had some time to spare for a football game with his buddies. Among them was promising Classic Physique Olympian Matthew Greggo.

Derek Lunsford takes some time off

The 2023 Mr. Olympia posed with “The boys,” in a group picture the Classic Physique competitor Matthew Greggo uploaded. Besides Lunsford and Greggo three others appeared in the photograph. “Go Bucs… P.S. – Really don’t watch football too much,” wrote Matthew Greggo in the caption. While Greggo stood on Lunsford’s left side in the picture, to his right stood Bartley Weaver.

Weaver is also a professional bodybuilder. However, he exceeds as a professional eater. Weaver is ranked seventh in the world among professional eaters. Lunsford and his buddies clicked the picture before the game as the field behind them was empty. Lunsford also commented “Let’s go Bucs!!” on Greggo’s post and shared the picture as his Instagram story.

Fortunately for Lunsford, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won their week 13 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The Bucs pulled off the win in an exciting fourth quarter. Mike Evans scored an impressive touchdown after a 75-yard catch. His efforts helped the Buccaneers surge to a 21-18 win at the Raymond James Stadium. However, the disciplined champion won’t be taking too much time off from his strict workout regimen.

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What’s next for the 2023 Mr. Olympia winner?

While Derek Lunsford achieved his goal of becoming the first two-division Mr. Olympia in history, the bodybuilder is hungry to stay on top. A large portion of fans felt this year’s defending champion, Hadi Choopan, should’ve won the contest. They claimed Choopan had superior condition and slightly more muscle mass.

However, the 29-year-old (soon to become a father) has always worked to improve his shortcomings. Last year, people pointed out that Lunsford’s leg needed improvement, and this year he delivered. Hence, for 2024, the defending champion will focus on conditioning while maintaining his aesthetics.

After a year of unwavering dedication and preparation, Lunsford achieved his goal. For now, the champion is basking in his success and enjoying being a spectator for once.

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