NFL players train hard to stay strong, fast, and ready for every game. But their workouts are only part of the story. What they eat each day is just as important. To stay in top shape, many players follow strict diet plans that may seem extreme to most people. Some of these diets include eating six full meals a day, packed with protein, healthy fats, and carbs. Others avoid common foods completely.
These meal plans are made to build muscle, improve energy, and help the body recover quickly. While some choices may seem strange or too much, they work for players who push their bodies to the limit every week. Their eating habits are a big part of their success.
Troy Hill’s Big Breakfast
Hill, a cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams, followed a diet that helped him gain weight and strength. For breakfast, he ate a large meal consisting of waffles, bacon or sausage, an omelet, and a protein shake. This hearty breakfast was a key part of his diet to increase his weight and build muscle for his position on the field.
Lane Johnson’s High-Calorie Meals
Johnson, an offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles, consumes around 4,000 calories and 300 grams of protein a day. His daily meals include a big breakfast with eggs, thick-cut bacon, and protein waffles. For lunch, he enjoys a fried chicken BLT sandwich with roasted potatoes. Dinner usually consists of a large ribeye steak with candied sweet potatoes. He also drinks a high-calorie protein shake as dessert to meet his calorie and protein needs.
Noah Spence’s 9,000-Calorie Plan
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Spence, a defensive end, followed an extreme diet to gain 35 pounds. He ate nine meals a day, including multiple protein shakes made with peanut butter and bananas. His meals often featured grilled chicken, pasta, and vegetables, while he snacked on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with chocolate almond milk. This high-calorie diet helped him bulk up for his position on the field.
Ben Bartch’s Weight-Gain Smoothie
Bartch, an offensive lineman, created a unique smoothie to help him gain weight. This smoothie included seven scrambled eggs, a tub of cottage cheese, quick grits, peanut butter, bananas, and Gatorade. The high-calorie drink was a key part of his diet during his college years, helping him add significant muscle mass.
J.J. Watt’s Six-Meal Routine
Watt, a former defensive end, consumed about 7,500 calories a day in six meals. His meals included large breakfasts with oatmeal, fruits, and eggs, as well as several servings of chicken, whole wheat pasta, and vegetables throughout the day. This meal plan was designed to support his intense workout routine and help him maintain his performance on the field.
Fred Warner’s Clean Eating
Warner, a linebacker, follows a clean-eating diet focused on whole foods. His meals consist of lean proteins such as chicken and fish, complex carbohydrates like brown rice and sweet potatoes, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. This balanced diet helps him stay in peak physical condition and supports his training throughout the season.
