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Kirk Cousins Reconsidering Diet as He Prepares for NFL Season
As he approaches his 13th season in the NFL at the age of 36, Kirk Cousins, the Atlanta Falcons quarterback, is embracing a revamped lifestyle focused on health and performance. For many athletes at this stage in their careers, strict dietary regimens have become the norm, and Cousins is no exception.
In a recent interview with GQ, Cousins revealed an intriguing aspect of his diet: he has opted to eliminate the buns from his burgers. “When I do have a burger, I peel the bun. I’ll still hold the bun, but it’s just to hold. I just eat everything else but the bun,” he stated.
This alteration is part of a broader commitment to a gluten-free lifestyle, a choice that is gaining traction among aging athletes. Research into the effects of gluten on physical performance has prompted numerous NFL players to reconsider their diets, with stars like Tom Brady and Drew Brees leading the way in adopting gluten-free eating habits.
Cousins, however, has taken his dietary changes a step further by cutting out all grains, influenced by personal health data. “I’ve done some tests and blood work, and while a lot of people are gluten-free, I’ve found it’s not just gluten for me, but I need to cut out grains entirely. That includes rice, corn, and everything my body doesn’t process well,” he explained.
Recovery and Performance Challenges
The impetus for Cousins’ dietary shift can be traced back to a significant injury he suffered last season—a torn Achilles tendon during a game against the Green Bay Packers. This injury marked a turning point in his career, ending his six-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings just as he had experienced one of his best seasons.
In the offseason, Cousins inked a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons, while Minnesota opted to bring in Sam Darnold and drafted quarterback J.J. McCarthy. With competition heating up, Cousins is particularly motivated to maintain peak physical condition.
New Competition on the Horizon
Despite his sizeable contract, the Falcons recently used their first-round draft pick to secure quarterback Michael Penix Jr. With Cousins initially named the starter, the presence of Penix adds scrutiny to his performance, especially given Penix’s substantial contract, which features a $22.8 million salary over four years and a signing bonus of $13.4 million.
To enhance his chances of staying injury-free during the season, Cousins is meticulously analyzing his nutrition. Experts suggest that removing gluten from one’s diet may help reduce inflammation, a condition known to inhibit flexibility in muscle tissues and lead to increased vulnerability of tendons like the Achilles and meniscus, which can cause joint pain and pain stiffness.
Maintaining NFL Viability
As Cousins enters the later stages of his career, he recognizes that sacrifices, even those as simple as forgoing burger buns, may be essential to his longevity in the NFL. The adjustments he is making reflect a broader trend among athletes who are increasingly prioritizing their health to sustain their performance levels.
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