For eight NFL seasons, Sebastian Vollmer provided key protection for the greatest quarterback of all-time.The German tackle formed part of an offensive line that Tom Brady once described as the ‘backbone’ of the New England Patriots, in a period that the franchise dominated professional football.Vollmer was part of Brady’s offensive line and won the Super Bowl twiceGettyStanding a behemoth 6ft 8in, Vollmer started 80 of 88 games over eight years (2009-2017) in Foxborough, and won the Super Bowl twice.On the field, he was a versatile player deployed at both tackle spots, and was a dominant force in the Patriots’ run game.Affectionately nicknamed ‘Sea Bass’ — a play on his first name — Vollmer was also one of the most well-liked players in the locker room.What was Sebastian Vollmer’s playing weight?Every offseason, he would receive a letter from the Patriots that outlined his target weight. During his playing career, the German became obsessed with reaching the objective set, as he believed it would give him the best chance to dominate during games.His pre-draft weight was listed at 312lb, and for much of his run with the Patriots, Vollmer weighed in between 320 and 340 pounds.By the time his career was winding down, the effects of that weight were beginning to take a toll.Vollmer battled injuries during his career, and wound up needing hip and shoulder surgeries that saw him miss the entire 2016 season.At a time when he was expecting his first child, the 300lb+ lineman would struggle to make it up and down the stairs, and he had throbbing pain in his knees.Vollmer knew something needed to change, and he set out to lose weight.Vollmer was informed of a heavy ‘target’ weight to hit during his time with the PatriotsGettyHe was part of Brady’s dominant O-line between 2009 and 2016GettyHow much weight did Patriots star Vollmer lose after retiring from NFL?During his time in New England, the value of developing and maintaining habits to reach personal and team goals had been instilled in every member of Bill Belichick’s all-conquering roster.It was no different for Vollmer, who channelled those lessons — as well as plenty of discipline, grit and determination — into losing weight.Over the course of nine months, he lost 85 pounds.“Working on something and having a goal, it’s about just trying to keep that momentum,” Vollmer told The Athletic in a recent interview.“Having the goals, but then doing it right away.”Vollmer started his journey by writing his new goal weight on a sticky note and hanging it on his mirror.Vollmer weighed between 320 and 340lb while he played for the PatriotsGettyHe dropped 85lb after retiring from football by setting achievable goalsInstagram @sebastianvollmerThat visual trick kept him on track, and forced him to keep losing weight on his mind.According to The Athletic, ‘Sea Bass’ also broke down the goal weight into smaller steps.While working on his eating habits with the Patriots’ head sports dietician, Ted Harper, he set a goal to lose 10 pounds in five weeks (two pounds a week) and focused on hitting a small goal, rather than the larger one.Patriots Super Bowl winner unrecognizable a decade on from NFL retirementBy taking things step by step, Vollmer eventually made the ultimate transformation and dropped 85 pounds in less than 12 months.Vollmer now works as an NFL analyst for German TVGettyThe former NFL star still visualizes his life goals, keeping a habit from his playing daysInstagram @sebastianvollmerMore recent social media pictures show the former lineman is near-unrecognizable from his playing days, and is sporting a trimmed down physique.He believes his impressive weight loss changed his life, as he is now more energetic, happier and more organized.Vollmer still write personal goals down in his phone, to ensure he always has a visual purpose laid out.“It helps me stay on track,” the former lineman, who now works as a football analyst for German broadcaster RTL, said.NFL's Greatest......Ranking the top 10......Quarterbacks of all-time – Can anyone better Tom Brady?Wide receivers of all-time – Does Randy Moss or Jerry Rice come out on top?Running backs of all-time – Stacking Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and moreTight ends of all-time – How does Travis Kelce compare?“I feel like I then have to cross things off that list, almost like I don’t have a choice of it slipping my mind.”Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.