Here’s What NFL Players Eat Before A Superbowl Game (2024)

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Athletes exert their body for long minutes while playing on the field. This is equally true for NFL players who typically exert their bodies, burning a lot of stored energy and helping them perform excellently if all things remain equal. But what fuels this energy? It's mostly sandwiches!

By Cookist

Here’s What NFL Players Eat Before A Superbowl Game (1)

It has been reported that some NFL players go for classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches just before a game. Others created their own smoothies, and those too excited by game-day have no appetite so they take nothing, focusing only on staying hydrated.

According to Leslie Bonci, a sports dietitian with the Kansas City Chiefs, the above mentioned foods are some of the foods NFL players are eating as they prepare for the big games but every player is unique.

Bonci said: “A lot of the guys love PB&J. That’s a comfortable food for them."

She also said: “Some of the guys have it with a glass of milk, just like they did in grade school, and that works as a fuel source."

However, regardless of how different the players are from each other based on what they eat pregame, Bonci says what they're looking for is something that can sit comfortably in the stomach.

Here’s What NFL Players Eat Before A Superbowl Game (2)

Bonci also shared other foods she says are popular among NFL players. They include yogurt, Greek or regular, by itself or as a parfait; smoothies that are usually fruit-based mixed with protein powder, vegetable stir-fry, eggs, and pastas.

Another meal they consider comforting besides PB&J is oatmeal. They reportedly enjoy it. Soups too because it is liquid and food at the same time. They also consume chicken for protein.

Players are expected to switch to a meal plan they are comfortable with at least one week before they have to play games. They are expected to fuel up in those days before the games so that when the game starts they are adequately energized.

According to Mike Minnis, coordinator of performance nutrition and assistant strength coach for thePhiladelphia Eagles, the only foods he would consider off the table pregame are those high in fat or fiber.

Here’s What NFL Players Eat Before A Superbowl Game (3)

He said: "These foods can sit in your gut longer than others and could potentially cause some adverse gastrointestinal discomfort if eaten in excess.”

He also says that the timing of a meal is important. It is important to eat at least three hours prior to the game. Ideally the closer they are to a game, the less they consume.

In the end they all have what works for them but they always stick to comforting food that feels comfortable in their stomachs.

Here’s What NFL Players Eat Before A Superbowl Game (2024)

FAQs

Here’s What NFL Players Eat Before A Superbowl Game? ›

It's mostly sandwiches! It has been reported that some NFL players go for classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches just before a game. Others created their own smoothies, and those too excited by game-day have no appetite so they take nothing, focusing only on staying hydrated.

What do NFL players do before the Super Bowl? ›

Coaches and players spend the two weeks before the Super Bowl by poring over their opponent's game film and shoring up any areas of concern. Teams keep the same Wednesday through Friday practice schedule to maintain regular-season habits.

What does Patrick Mahomes eat on game Day? ›

Patrick Mahomes has revealed his game day breakfast consists of ahead of the Super Bowl, where his Kansas City Chiefs play the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. “I usually have some eggs in the morning, I'll have a little bit of steak, a little of bit of hashbrowns,” the Chiefs quarterback said.

What is the perfect meal before a football match? ›

It's important to eat both before and after football. Before playing, consume foods that provide energy and nutrients, like whole grain cereals, bananas, whole grain toast, baked beans, eggs, lean fish, pasta, and rice. These meal options offer essential carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients to fuel your body.

What is the number 1 food consumed for the Super Bowl? ›

Chicken wings are the food of choice. According to the National Chicken Council — yes, there is a National Chicken Council — Americans consume more than 100 million pounds of chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday alone.

What do football players eat before Super Bowl? ›

Bonci also shared other foods she says are popular among NFL players. They include yogurt, Greek or regular, by itself or as a parfait; smoothies that are usually fruit-based mixed with protein powder, vegetable stir-fry, eggs, and pastas. Another meal they consider comforting besides PB&J is oatmeal.

What do NFL players eat at halftime? ›

Football players tend to eat foods rich in carbohydrates during halftime to keep their energy levels up. Items like granola and pretzels are great options. But more importantly, they often consume sports drinks throughout the game. High activity levels require a ton of hydration and electrolytes.

Should I eat a banana before football? ›

Bananas are a great option for a pre-game snack due to their high Potassium level. Potassium helps prevent cramping in athletes. Drinking a sports drink like Gatorade or Powerade is also a good idea at this stage. These drinks contain electrolytes, which need to be replenished as the body sweats.

What do football players eat the night before a game? ›

Night Before the Game: Carb-load and Avoid New Foods

Starchy foods like whole-wheat pasta, rice, potatoes, beans, broccoli, and grilled chicken offer a carbohydrate-rich meal that will provide the right fuel for the next day's event and protein to fuel recovery. Broccoli adds calcium, vitamins A and C.

What do footballers eat for breakfast? ›

What should you eat for breakfast as a footballer? Choose something from this for your macronutrients. Carbs sprouted oats, white rice, semolina fruit, fresh fruit juices, sourdough bread, protein eggs, milk, yogurt, protein powder, fats butter, avocado, olive or coconut oil.

What is the most ordered food for the Super Bowl? ›

1 In 7 Americans Order Take Out

"But what are people ordering for their Super Bowl watch parties?" is a question you may ask yourself because you're looking to create a game day menu. The three most popular Super Bowl dishes people order are pizza, chicken wings, and chips with dips.

How much are Super Bowl halftime performers paid? ›

That's right, for free. That's because the Super Bowl performers don't really get paid by the NFL to perform. None of the performers slated to take part in the big game — Usher, Reba McEntire, Post Malone and Andra Day — will take home a salary for the day's work.

How much does a Super Bowl ring cost? ›

The rings are typically made of yellow or rose gold; the 2010 Packers broke tradition, opting for theirs to be set in platinum. They're not free: The cost per Super Bowl ring can run anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000.

How did the NFL work before the Super Bowl? ›

Starting in 1933, the NFL split into two divisions and a championship game was played between the two division winners. The AFL and NFL announced that the two leagues would merge in 1970. The Super Bowl started to determine the world champions.

What did they do before Super Bowls? ›

The AFL began play in 1960 and, like its rival league, used a playoff system to determine its champion. From 1966 to 1969, prior to the merger in 1970, the NFL and the AFL agreed to hold an undisputed Championship Game called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game (renamed the Super Bowl after 1968).

What happens before the Super Bowl? ›

The two surviving teams from each conferences' divisional-round playoff games then meet in the respective AFC and NFC Conference Championship games, hosted by the higher-seeded team. The winners of those contests go on to face one another in the Super Bowl which is played at a predetermined site.

What do football players do during halftime? ›

Halftime is about 7 ½ minutes so you're in (the locker room) and guys are getting something to drink, going to the bathroom and we talk amongst the coaches on a few things we want to hit on. There may be a couple of important things, maybe not.

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