Travis Kelce will once again be hoping to secure victory with the Kansas City Chiefs – but what exactly does a defending champion eat? (Image: Getty Images)
As the the NFL’s standout superstar is eyeing triumph with the for the second year straight. In preparation for the marquee matchup, Travis—alongside his teammates—is engaging in intensive training, not forgetting the critical role his dietary habits play in his athletic prowess.
Scott Krones, General Manager of remarked: “One of the biggest stars in the NFL is Travis Kelce, not just for his success on the field but also for his headline breaking relationship with Taylor Swift. With the Kansas City Chiefs now reaching the Super Bowl once again and if they happen to go on to win, many will be invested in how the tight end maintains his fitness and diet with these insights offering a glimpse into what really makes a winning diet.”
So what exactly graces the plates of gridiron gladiators like Kelce?
Donna Kelce, Travis’s mother, shared that since childhood Travis and his siblings never failed to show their hearty appetites; she recalled countless times when their refrigerator was heaving with edibles, particularly meats. In February 2023, Donna reminisced about her children’s voracious eating habits, saying they would consume “whole chickens, they would eat lots of pork, ribs.”
A high-protein meal such as steak is key for fuelling NFL stars like Kelce, ensuring their cardio and strength are at peak levels during matches. Protein from meats plays a vital role in muscle development even off-season, highlighting the importance of a consistent intake of robust protein sources for athletes year-round, reports
Taylor Swift will be supporting her boyfriend Travis at the Superbowl (Image: undefined)
In a candid chat with back in 2020, Kelce confessed that French toast gets his “blood sugar going”.
“On game day, you want to carb up, so I have the energy I need for the game. If I can, I’ll have a breakfast-type meal, since most of our games are in the afternoon,” he explained.
French toast might not be everyone’s go-to pre-game fuel, but it’s packed with more nutrients than one might expect. It boasts Vitamins B6 and B12, alongside generous amounts of iron, calcium, and magnesium.
The carbs from the bread are crucial in preventing muscle breakdown, synergising with proteins to focus on building and maintaining muscle mass – a must for staying sharp on the pitch.
But it’s not just French toast that’s caught Kelce’s eye; the sportsman also let slip in a press conference last year that his girlfriend baked goods hold a special place in his heart.
Kelce shared with fans that she whipped up delicious pop tarts and cinnamon rolls last June. However, even these sweet treats can’t compete with his mother Donna Kelce’s annual batch of cookies.
According to Travis has never played a Super Bowl without them!
Travis Kelce has never played a single Superbowl without his mum’s cookies! (Image: Getty)
However, when it comes to vegetables, Travis is less enthusiastic. His personal chef, Kumar Ferguson, previously revealed that while Travis isn’t keen on most greens, spinach remains a constant in his diet.
Spinach is crucial for those who train intensively due to its anti-inflammatory properties which aid quick recovery after muscle exertion. This leafy green is packed with antioxidants and nutrients, making it an ideal component of a balanced diet.
Spinach also boasts high potassium levels, beneficial for lowering blood pressure, maintaining energy, and supporting bone health. Ferguson also disclosed that he prepares oatmeal topped with fresh fruit for Kelce each morning as part of his ‘three meals a day’ routine.
Oats and porridge have seen a revival in popularity recently, thanks to platforms like highlighting their health benefits.
Oats, packed with fibre, vitamins and minerals, help to regulate blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy release. This enables Kelce to maintain his vigour throughout a game day, avoiding the typical energy spike and subsequent crash.
Slow release energy from oats is the perfect way to help maintain Travis’ sugar levels for a long game (Image: Getty)
As a result, Kelce can train more effectively, knowing his limits and avoiding sudden energy and sugar crashes. Another dish that has found favour with the footballer is seafood alfredo.
Despite its dairy content, this dish is an excellent way to incorporate healthy amounts of fish and seafood into one’s diet.
Fish and shellfish are rich in vitamins, Omega 3’s, nutrients and contribute to brain development, heart health and immune system maintenance. The fatty acids in fish are ideal for any athlete, offering a bounty of zinc, iron, potassium and magnesium to the body.