The Biggest Loser Season 16 latest news: 20 former athletes aim for the win, trainer Bob Harper to take on a different challenge

By Kara Michelle Aug 12, 2014 08:45 AM EDT

Retired athletes trying to get back to their fighting form will take the spotlight in The Biggest Loser Season 16.

This season's theme, "Glory Days," is spot on as former football pros, Olympians, high school and college players aim to get in shape years after they left competitive sports.

For this season's plot twist: eliminated contestants will be taken to a secret location called "Comeback Canyon," where trainer Bob Harper will work with them for a second chance at the $250,000 cash prize.

With Bob Harper taking on a new role, The Biggest Loser Season 16 will have two new trainers: Jessie Pavelka and Jennifer Widerstrom. Back on the show are trainer Dolvett Quince and host Alison Sweeney.

The Biggest Loser Season 16 competitors include former New York Jets offensive lineman Daniel Woody, three-time Olympic gold medalist for softball Lori Harrigan-Mack and former cheerleader Andrea Wilamowski.

Other contenders in the The Biggest Loser Season 16 are Jordan Alicandro, who was once into baseball and wrestling; Rondalee Beardslee, who played high school basketball, volleyball, and softball; Howard "Woody" Carter, who was once a part of a semi-pro football league; Toma Dobrosavljevic, who has been a soccer player since he was young; Zina Garrison, a retired tennis player who won a medal at the 1988 Olympics; Rob Guiry, who has had weight issues for the longest time despite being active in sports; Gina Haddon, a former cheerleader turned cheer coach; Vanessa Johnson, a former WNBA player; Sonya Jones, who once played semi-professional softball; Chandra Maple, a coach for a high school girls basketball team; Matthew Miller, a former high school athlete; Scott Mitchell, a former NFL quarterback; Emmy Lou Munoz, an all-around sports player; John "JJ" O'Malley, a former Arizona State University football player; Jackie Pierson, who was into a lot of sports in high school; Mike Murburg, this season's oldest competitor; and Blake Benge, who is the youngest.

Catch The Biggest Loser Season 16 premiere on September 11 on NBC.