Biggest Loser wrapped its final on-campus episode last night with a dramatic twist, and a first for Biggest Loser. America will vote for the third finalist. This was news that Roger Schultz and Mark Kruger weren’t expecting when they fell below the yellow line. I spoke with Roger this afternoon to hear his thoughts on the voting twist. He’s hopeful America will side with him- and says he could use the winnings now that he’s without a job. Roger was really fun to speak with. For a moment, it feels as though that deep Southern accent could be contagious! This lovable family man is enjoying this new life and anxious, just as we are, for next week’s finale.
Listen to the Audio here or read the transcript below.
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How do you feel about the America Votes twist?
I think it’s great. Being a fan of the show and seeing this- I think it’s great to get them involved. Especially because I was going to go home.
You’re 100% certain you would have gone home?
Oh heck yeah! Are you kidding me? I knew I was going home. That’s why I turned and congratulated Mark- I said “Mark, Congratulations- you made the finals.” I knew the whole time I was on the show if I ever dropped below that yellow line I was headed to the house. That was what I was expecting.
If you didn’t walk away knowing you were going to the finale last night, you did walk away with a brand new Biggest Loser house record. You lost 144 pounds on the ranch. That’s a person Roger!
Yes it is. My wife only ways 129. I was teasing someone and said I lost my wife. They said “Oh no! What happened?” I said “Figuratively speaking, I lost my wife.”
How do you feel?
I feel great, I feel wonderful. Still getting used to it because I still think like a fat person. You evaluate a room, look to see if you’re gonna break a chair or where you can sit. Or when I go shopping I still have a hard time- I just get the XXL shirt and go “Oh crap, this isn’t going to fit.” I have to get a large. I’m a 34 in jeans- I was a 54.
Seeing last night the videos and cardboard cut-out from 15 weeks ago, it was hard to believe. Almost like seeing someone in makeup.
I had a fat suit on I thought. It’s so weird. You go through the process. We had one little mirror in our bathroom, but you don’t get to see the whole… Everyone is going along losing weight and you just don’t grasp it. I’ve talked to people right in their face, and they not even know who I am and they’re friends.
How are you doing in the kitchen now that you’re home. You didn’t hesitate to let everyone know you’re not a cook. Have you picked some things up in the kitchen?
I cook for my wife all the time now that I’m a house husband. It’s really simple and amazing how quick and easy it is to cook healthy foods fast. It’s so corny and I’m not trying to do a product placement- but Ziploc bags are the greatest things ever. I cut vegetables and put servings in each of these ZIploc bags. Even when I do my chips and things like that- I put exactly one serving in a little snack pack and just have them- so I know what I’m eating and I’m not guessing and don’t keep reaching in the bag.
You said a second ago that you’re a house husband- what’s the story there?
Well, I got back from the show when it wrapped. About a week later my job fired me. America they fired me! I really need the money! I could use it.
Being on Biggest Loser, what are you taking away as your favorite memory and taking away as your least memorable moment?
I guess the, obviously the most memorable would be losing the most weight on campus, the 144 pounds. And the relationship I have with Bob. The friendship we developed I think is pretty strong. Outside of training- just the friendship. He stated it and I feel the same way- I’m the brother he never had. I think my relationship with Bob is something I cherish. Can’t really say anything bad about it- it was all good.
You’re still working out at home getting ready for Tuesday?
Yes I am!
Roger, DietsInReview thanks you for taking the time to visit with us today. Good luck next week!
Lend your support to Roger by voting now at NBC, and get the behind-the-scenes scoop about the vote from Bob and Jillian.
Roger started at the Biggest Loser ranch pretty low under the radar. Quiet, unassuming and hard-working, everyone loved him because he seemed to be Mr. Nice Guy compared to Mark’s Mr. Bad Guy. That game is over. Roger has climbed through the ranks clearing competitors out of his way and positioning himself as one of the strongest contenders for the Biggest Loser title, and has the attitude to go with it He plays the part of former ‘Bama football player very well.