DUE to his passion for French toast, NFL superstar Travis Kelce has had delicious success. Since joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013, the tight end has had the custardy breakfast item for each pregame meal. This delightful ritual has become a cornerstone of his game day preparation, fueling his performance on the field.
Why French Toast?
“On game day, you want to carb up, so I have the energy I need for the game,” Kelce told Men’s Journal in 2020. He explained that French toast not only gets his blood sugar going but also provides the necessary carbohydrates to sustain him during intense gameplay. It’s no wonder that this breakfast favorite has become an integral part of his routine.
Chiefs sports dietician Leslie Bonci has shared insights into the nutritional benefits of French toast. “So what is French toast? Well, it’s toast, so that’s the carbohydrate… the fuel source for the muscles and also for the brain,” she explained. The combination of eggs and milk in the dish adds protein, which helps provide longer-lasting energy. This is crucial for an athlete like Kelce, who needs to perform at his best during high-pressure situations.
A Decade of Deliciousness
Last year, Bonci revealed to The U.S. Sun exactly why Kelce has stuck with the same pregame meal for over a decade. “No. 1, a lot of players have superstitions about what it is that they eat before they play,” she noted. If a player eats something and wins, they often stick with that food in hopes of repeating their success. Whether or not there’s a direct correlation between the meal and victory remains uncertain, but the psychological comfort it provides is undeniable.
“Football is not a comfortable sport – it’s a very uncomfortable sport,” Bonci continued. “So you want to have something in your body that makes you feel good, it doesn’t upset your stomach, it sits well.” For Kelce, French toast satisfies all these criteria, making it a perfect choice for pregame nourishment.
Nutritional Advantages
Bonci elaborated on the advantages of French toast, emphasizing that it doesn’t weigh heavily on the stomach. “French toast is also not something that rests that heavy on the gut, so you don’t feel like you’re carrying around a cannonball or a football in your stomach when you are running up and down the field,” she said. This lightness allows players to focus on their performance without the distraction of discomfort.
Kelce is not alone in his breakfast preference; Bonci noted that many Chiefs players opt for familiar and comforting meals before games. “If you’ve never eaten sushi before, you’re not trying sushi before a game,” she remarked. Players often choose breakfast-type foods even for late afternoon games because they find them comforting.
Superstitions and Comfort Foods
The Chiefs’ food options under Bonci have been carefully curated to ensure players have the best possible fuel for their performances. Bonci described her role at the Chiefs as “an honor and privilege,” highlighting her commitment to the athletes’ health and performance. After ten years with the team, she decided to leave due to the challenging commute from her home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “It could be two full days of travel which is a little crazy,” she explained.
Players often prefer meals that are familiar to them, especially on game day. “There are some players who like to have a more meaty meal before a game. Some guys like to have steak, or chicken and potatoes before a game,” Bonci noted. The timing of these meals is also crucial; they are typically consumed three hours before kickoff, allowing enough time for digestion.
Kelce’s Impact on the Field
As a result of his dedicated pregame rituals, 34-year-old Kelce has become one of the greatest tight ends in league history and a three-time Super Bowl champion. His consistent performance is a testament to the effectiveness of his routine, which includes his beloved French toast. It’s fascinating to think that a simple breakfast item could play such a significant role in an athlete’s success.
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, every little detail counts. From the food players consume to their mental preparation, everything contributes to their performance on the field. Kelce’s love for French toast exemplifies how personal preferences can intertwine with professional excellence.
The Road Ahead
As the Chiefs aim for another championship run, the importance of a solid pregame meal cannot be overstated. A pregame ritual meal could play the decisive role if the Chiefs and Kelce are to claim a historic three-peat. Will French toast continue to be the secret ingredient in Kelce’s success? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: his passion for this breakfast treat is as strong as ever.
With each game, Kelce not only showcases his incredible athletic abilities but also highlights the significance of nutrition in sports. As fans, we can appreciate the dedication and thought that goes into every aspect of an athlete’s preparation. So, the next time you enjoy a plate of French toast, think of Travis Kelce and the delicious success it has brought him on the football field.
