Kirk Cousins' Unusual Eating Habit: Cutting Out Burger Buns to Enhance Longevity

In an effort to prolong his NFL career, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has adopted a peculiar dietary restriction: eliminating burger buns. This is part of a broader effort to reduce inflammation and boost flexibility, following an injury that cut short his previous season.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, at the age of 36 and entering his 13th NFL season, has implemented a peculiar dietary protocol that involves eschewing burger buns. This unconventional habit aligns with a growing trend among aging NFL players seeking to enhance longevity and mitigate injury risk.

Cousins' aversion to burger buns stems from his experience with a torn Achilles suffered during the 2023 season. This injury abruptly ended his six-year tenure with the Minnesota Vikings. In an interview with GQ, Cousins explained his decision to eliminate burger buns as part of a wider effort to reduce gluten and grain intake based on personalized blood test results.

Kirk Cousins' Unusual Eating Habit: Cutting Out Burger Buns to Enhance Longevity

Cousins' gluten-free and grain-free diet is supported by research suggesting that inflammation reduction can enhance muscle flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries such as torn Achilles, meniscus tears, and ACL ruptures. Inflammation can also lead to joint pain and stiffness, which can hinder athletic performance.

As Cousins approaches his late 30s, he recognizes the importance of maintaining optimal physical condition to extend his NFL career. His dietary adjustments, including the elimination of burger buns, are a testament to his commitment to injury prevention and performance optimization.

Kirk Cousins' Unusual Eating Habit: Cutting Out Burger Buns to Enhance Longevity

Other prominent NFL quarterbacks, including Tom Brady and Drew Brees, have also adopted gluten-free diets. However, Cousins takes his dietary restrictions a step further by eliminating all grains due to his unique blood chemistry.

This dietary approach is becoming increasingly common among NFL players as research continues to shed light on the detrimental effects of gluten and grains on athletic performance and overall health. By avoiding inflammatory foods, players can enhance muscle flexibility, reduce the likelihood of injuries, and ultimately prolong their careers.

Kirk Cousins' Unusual Eating Habit: Cutting Out Burger Buns to Enhance Longevity

Despite signing a lucrative four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in the offseason, Cousins faces potential competition for the starting quarterback role from Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons' first-round draft pick this year.

Cousins' determination to maintain peak physical condition is evident in his meticulous attention to his diet. By eliminating burger buns and adopting a strict gluten-free and grain-free regimen, he aims to mitigate inflammation, enhance flexibility, and reduce the risk of injuries that could jeopardize his NFL future.

Cousins' dietary habits serve as a reminder of the lengths to which professional athletes will go to extend their playing days and maximize their potential. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, players like Cousins are embracing innovative dietary strategies to optimize their performance and longevity.