French toast, a classic breakfast dish, it’s a comforting and indulgent meal that’s beloved by many. But for NFL superstar Travis Kelce, French toast isn’t just a tasty treat-it’s a game-day essential that has fueled his rise to becoming one of the greatest tight ends in league history. But why? Since joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013, Kelce has made French toast his go-to pregame meal, and the results speak for themselves.
With three Super Bowl rings and a legacy as one of the NFL’s most dominant players, his French toast tradition has become as iconic as his on-field performances. So, what makes this breakfast dish the perfect pregame fuel? According to Leslie Bonci, the Chiefs’ former sports dietitian, it’s a combination of superstition, comfort, and nutrition.
“No. 1, a lot of players have superstitions about what they eat before they play,” Bonci told The U.S. Sun. “If it’s something they eat and they win, then, ‘OK, I’m going to eat that food because it helped me win.’ Whether that’s true or not, we don’t always know, but that’s the first thing-superstition.” For Kelce, French toast isn’t just a meal; it’s a winning ritual.
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French toast and football glory
But there’s more to it than just tradition. Bonci explained that French toast offers practical benefits for athletes. “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 said. “The protein in the French toast, with the egg and the milk, gives you a little bit more longer-lasting energy.”
Plus, it’s easy on the stomach, which is crucial for a player like Kelce, who needs to stay light on his feet. “You don’t feel like you’re carrying around a cannonball or a football in your stomach when you’re running up and down the field,” Bonci added.
Kelce isn’t the only Chiefs player with a unique pregame meal preference. Bonci noted that some players opt for heartier options like steak or chicken and potatoes, while others stick to breakfast foods, even for late-afternoon games. “If you’ve never eaten sushi before, you’re not trying sushi before a game,” she joked, emphasizing the importance of sticking to familiar, comfortable foods.
After a decade with the Chiefs, Bonci stepped down last year, citing the demanding travel between her home in Pittsburgh and Kansas City. “It could be two full days of travel, which is a little crazy,” she said. But her impact on the team’s nutrition strategy remains, especially as Kelce and the Chiefs aim for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl win. If they succeed, French toast might just deserve a spot in the trophy case.
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