Nothing busts myths about veganism faster than the sight of a towering NFL player thriving on a plant-based diet.
These athletes, some of the biggest and strongest in the league, report improved performance, quicker recovery times, and overall enhanced physical and mental well-being by ditching animal products.
Whether you’re a powerful lineman or a lightning-fast wide receiver, a vegan diet can benefit you, offering the speed, strength, and agility needed to compete at the highest level.
Here’s a look at some current and former NFL players who’ve embraced the vegan lifestyle, showing that plant power is real.
1. Colin Kaepernick
Position: Quarterback, Former Player
Kaepernick is a leader both on and off the field, known for his activism and his conscious approach to living, which includes his plant-based diet. Kaepernick made the transition to veganism in late 2015, driven by ethical concerns about animal rights and environmental issues. He’s been vocal about the benefits of veganism, stating that it aligns with his values both morally and in terms of performance.
2. Cam Newton
Position: Quarterback, Former Player
Cam Newton initially went pescatarian, eating fish and shrimp to help with injury recovery. However, after noticing improved health, especially when healing from a lingering shoulder injury, he fully committed to a vegan lifestyle. Newton has said that veganism has become a permanent choice due to the noticeable difference it made to his recovery times and overall well-being.
3. Deatrich Wise Jr.
Position: Defensive End, New England Patriots
New England Patriots’ Deatrich Wise Jr. attributes his success to his vegan diet, which he says helps him recover faster, sleep better, and avoid injuries. Wise has been vocal about how this lifestyle has enhanced his performance in one of the most demanding positions in football. “Veganism helps me feel lighter, faster, and it’s reduced my recovery time significantly,” Wise said in an interview with NBC10 Boston.
4. Theo Riddick
Position: Running Back, Former Player
As a former running back for the Detroit Lions, Theo Riddick experienced the physical toll of being in the NFL. After adopting a vegan diet, he felt a drastic improvement in his recovery times. “I just think my recovery level was just phenomenal,” Riddick said. He noted that he used to feel sore until Friday after a Sunday game, but after switching to a vegan diet, he felt better much sooner.
5. David Carter
Position: Defensive Lineman, Former Player
David Carter, also known as the “300-Pound Vegan,” made the switch to a plant-based diet in February 2014 after suffering from tendonitis and other health issues. He quickly saw a difference in his body and performance. “I realized I was making everything worse [by eating meat],” he told GQ. Carter has since become an outspoken advocate for veganism, highlighting its role in reducing inflammation and speeding up recovery.
6. Derrick Morgan
Position: Linebacker, Former Player
In 2017, Derrick Morgan, struggling with achieving his ideal physique, turned to a vegan diet on the advice of his nutritionist. His wife, Charity Morgan, a talented chef, began preparing plant-based meals for him, starting with black bean and sweet potato enchiladas. Morgan credits this change for helping him get leaner while maintaining his strength, and he’s featured in the documentary The Game Changers, which explores the benefits of plant-based diets for athletes.
7. DaQuan Jones
Position: Defensive Tackle, Buffalo Bills
DaQuan Jones switched to a vegan diet to improve his health and performance on the field. As a defensive tackle, maintaining strength while improving agility is essential, and Jones found that his plant-based diet gave him both. He’s noticed improved energy levels and a greater ability to recover after games.
8. Andre Patton
Position: Wide Receiver, Former Player
Andre Patton, a wide receiver who most recently played for the Los Angeles Chargers, went vegan in 2019 after being inspired by a friend. In an interview with Chargers.com, Patton explained how learning about the meat industry pushed him to make the change. He says he feels great and doesn’t miss meat, relying on plant-based burgers, hot dogs, and fruit-heavy breakfasts to fuel his performance.
9. Brandon Flowers
Position: Cornerback, Former Player
Former cornerback Brandon Flowers adopted a vegan lifestyle to aid his body’s recovery and prevent injuries. He credited the plant-based diet with helping him maintain his health throughout his NFL career.
10. Griff Whalen
Position: Wide Receiver, Former Player
Griff Whalen adopted a vegan diet in 2014, looking to gain an edge in recovery and overall health. He has credited this switch for helping him stay in peak physical condition throughout his career, keeping him stronger and more resilient on the field.
11. Jurrell Casey
Position: Defensive End, Former Player
Jurrell Casey, a powerful defensive end, embraced veganism to improve weight management and speed up recovery from injuries. He has said that the diet has helped him stay fit and maintain his edge in one of the most physically demanding positions in football.
Honorable Mentions: Partial Vegans
Not all NFL players stick to a fully vegan lifestyle, but some have come close or adopted a largely plant-based approach for the sake of their health and performance.
Justin Fields
Position: Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers
Justin Fields embraced a strict vegan diet upon entering the NFL, crediting it with making him faster and leaner. However, due to the challenges of maintaining the diet while dining out, Fields has since transitioned to pescatarianism. Despite the change, Fields has said that his experience with veganism demonstrated the significant physical benefits of plant-based eating.
Tom Brady
Position: Quarterback, Former Player
While not strictly vegan, Tom Brady follows a primarily plant-based diet, with about 80% of his meals consisting of plant-based foods. Brady emphasizes that this clean-eating approach is a core part of his strategy for longevity and peak performance throughout his 20-year career. Although he incorporates some animal products, Brady remains a strong advocate for the health benefits of plant-based nutrition.
From quarterbacks to defensive linemen, NFL players are proving that a vegan diet can fuel both speed and strength. These athletes demonstrate that eating plant-based isn’t just about ethics—it’s about optimizing their bodies for peak performance.
