Colts' Plant-Powered Griff Whalen
photo: NFL.com
Griff Whalen has to be exceptionally fast, strong, and calculating. That's the job of the wide receiver, one of the most demanding positions on the football field. It's also said he has one of the most enviable physiques in the NFL, so it's no surprise that Whalen's choice to be a self-described "plant powered athlete" is drawing controversy from teammates and fans. In the past few weeks Whalen has been tweeting images of Vega products, tweeting shout-outs to ultramarathoner and vegan Rich Roll, and generally being incredibly positive and motivated by his new vegan routine.
Hey @richroll, just read ur book "Finding Ultra" & was blown away.Truly amazing story & tons of good plant nutrition tips #StanU #plantbased
— Griff Whalen (@GriffWhalen) October 20, 2014
Time for my gameday @VegaTeam endurance toast! pic.twitter.com/AFgLVc4q1d — Griff Whalen (@GriffWhalen) October 5, 2014
photo: colts.com
In a recent interview for the Indy Star, Whalen is grilled about being what they call "a leaf eater". It seems the choice to forgo masculine, animal-based foods never ceases to amaze or invoke the stereotypical responses, despite a wealth of easily found scientific and nutritional research and a roster of vegan athletes that should speak for itself. But in the article, they show how his positive example is even rubbing off on other players:
Whalen's dietary choice piqued the interest of punter Pat McAfee. During the off-season, he gave it a try.
"I decided I wanted to change my body a bit," said McAfee. "I had no idea what exactly I wanted, but I knew if it looked anything like Griff Whalen's, I'd be good to go. The dude might have a 14-pack."
So, McAfee had Colts executive chef DeWitt Jackson start whipping up the same exact meals that Whalen was eating. He calls it "some of the most interesting stuff I've ever consumed." - The Indy Star