How Jared Fogle became famous, in 7 images

For more than a decade, Jared Fogle pedaled his compelling story about weight loss that reached far and wide.

As former spokesman for the Subway sandwich chain, he was a branding magnet for exercise and the fight against obesity as he made appearances at schools, public events, media interviews — you name it.

It began to unravel in July, as Subway cut ties to its front man amid rumors of a local and federal investigation. On Wednesday, Fogle was expected to plead guilty to charges of possessing child pornography and illicit sexual conduct with a minor.

Here's a look back at Fogle — and his public persona — over the years.

1. Overweight kid

This is how it all began. A college student at Indiana University-Bloomington, Fogle recalled in interviews knowing that he had to do something about the 425 pounds of weight and an unhealthy lifestyle he feared was killing him.

So, he began walking to a local Subway restaurant and eating the low-calorie fare. His 1999 story in the Indiana Daily Student about his miraculous weight loss was his first step on the road to fame.

2. Golden pitchman

Subway knew a good thing when it saw one. Soon after the IDS story, it hired Fogle to tell his story. Before long, it was all anyone wanted to hear and Fogle, who majored in marketing at IU, became the company's main spokesman — and brand. Here's a look at one of the first commercials he made for the company.

3. Climb to fame

Fogle began making appearances at public events and doing interviews with national media.

His constant companion was his famous pair of pants — it dramatically showed his story of losing 245 pounds and going from a 60-inch waist to a 34-inch waist. He even admitted that his pants were as famous as he was.

4. Fitness hero

Fogle became more than a spokesman for a sandwich chain: He became an easily recognizable success story in the national battle against obesity.

He took part in running events, including the New York City Marathon in 2010, to promote his healthy lifestyle.

5. Popular school guest

Fogle made numerous appearances at schools locally and nationwide, as he was asked to talk to kids about the benefits of exercise and healthy eating.

In 2007, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame — with a plaque and all — at his alma mater, North Central High School in Indianapolis.

6. Hoosier celebrity

As a native of Indiana, Hoosiers were — at one time — proud of their native son and his boy-next-door, homegrown celebrity.

Here is a photo of Fogle meeting with Hall of Famer and former Cincinnati Reds star George Foster outside a Subway restaurant near Indianapolis.

Fogle starred in more than 300 Subway commercials, appeared in numerous television shows and movies, and his bland but easygoing personality was mocked on "South Park" and "Saturday Night Live." He even  wrote an autobiographical book — "Jared, the Subway Guy: Winning Through Losing: 13 Lessons for Turning Your Life Around" — and pulled in $5,000 to $10,000 for personal appearances.

7. Lure of fame

As Fogle's fame began to grow, so did his notoriety. He began to pop up at media events in New York, Los Angeles and elsewhere.

But as the celebrity lifestyle began to take hold, there were growing signs of difficulty in his personal life. Fogle and his first wife divorced about seven years ago, after six years of marriage. And the father of two young children under the age of 5 is facing a breakup again: His second wife announced she will seek a divorce after news of his plea bargain broke.

At the time of his arrest, Fogle was estimated to be worth at least $15 million, according to celebritynetworth.com.

Star reporter Vic Ryckaert and USA TODAY contributed to this story.

Call Star Web producer and editor Dwight Adams at (317) 444-6532. Follow him on Twitter: @hdwightadams.