Prince Fielder’s nude cover of ESNP Magazine’s Body Issue hit stands on Tuesday and quickly took over Twitter, with users tweeting #HuskyTwitter in support of Fielder’s bold move.

Prince Fielder Covers ESNP Magazine Body Issue

Fielder, a MLB infielder for the Texas Rangers, is just one of the many athletes gracing this year’s Body Issue, which traditionally features incredibly fit athletes posing nude – not dissimilar to what one might find in a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

Fans were surprised, to say the least, when they saw that one of this year’s Body Issue covers features Fielder, known, in part, for his chubby physique. Fielder’s cover stands out from the rest: not only is his upper body covered in tattoos, he is also the only athlete featured that doesn’t have a six-pack.

Twitter Reacts To Prince Fielder Cover

After the cover was released, it quickly went viral. Some reacted negatively to ESPN Magazine’s decision to feature Fielder on the cover:

But many on Twitter have spoken out in support of Fielder’s photo, saying it marks a step in the right direction where body image and body acceptance are concerned.

#HuskyTwitter was soon used to unite those in support of Fielder, and became increasingly popular on social media.

Prince Fielder Defends Weight, Work Out Habits

“You don’t have to look like an Under Armour mannequin to be an athlete. A lot of people probably think I’m not athletic or don’t even try to work out or whatever, but I do. Just because you’re big doesn’t mean you can’t be an athlete. And just because you work out doesn’t mean you’re going to have a 12-pack. I work out to make sure I can do my job to the best of my ability. Other than that, I’m not going up there trying to be a fitness model,” Fielder says in the issue.

In his interview, Fielder admits that he wishes he had eaten healthier earlier in his career, but insists that, with the help of a new chef, he “getting full off of the right foods.”

People may dismiss Fielder’s athletic ability due to his size and round belly, but Fielder takes it all in stride:

“People didn’t think I’d be able to play every day because of my size or be capable of having a long career. They were just dismissing me. At first I used it as motivation, but then I realized keeping all that anger in for no reason just got old. I’m too old for that.”

Fielder currently plays for the Texas Rangers and is out recovering from neck surgery following an injury.

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Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.