Derrick Morgan's Vegan Transition
After seven seasons in the NFL, Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan decided to research methods to improve his athletic longevity and recovery. He was concerned about the chronic inflammation and wear-and-tear from years of high-impact football and was keen to avoid relying on pain medications. A nutritionist suggested eliminating meat and dairy, which sparked Morgan's interest in a plant-based diet. After conducting his own research into the numerous performance-boosting and health benefits, he committed to a fully plant-based lifestyle in 2017.
The Impact of Chef Charity Morgan
The transition was significantly aided by his wife, Charity Morgan, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef. Initially, she adapted her cooking to create delicious vegan meals for Derrick. Her culinary skills were a critical factor in his success and enjoyment of the new diet.
As other Titans players saw Derrick's improved performance and sampled the flavorful food his wife prepared, interest grew rapidly. Chef Charity began cooking for other players, eventually running a full-scale meal prep service for approximately 15 teammates during the 2017-2018 season. Her inclusive approach, which she calls "plegan," helped many athletes feel comfortable exploring plant-based options without the pressure of strict veganism.
Influencing the Locker Room
The Morgans' story became a remarkable case study in how one person's dietary change can inspire a team. The plant-based meal plan offered by Charity became a major talking point in the Titans' locker room. Many players who joined the program reported noticeable health and performance improvements, which solidified the diet's credibility among skeptical teammates. The success of the team's vegan experiment was also a prominent storyline in the 2018 documentary The Game Changers, which featured both Derrick and Charity Morgan.
Here are some of the benefits reported by Derrick Morgan and his teammates:
- Increased energy levels throughout the day
- Reduced inflammation and pain
- Faster recovery times after practices and games
- Improved sleep quality
- Lowered blood pressure
Post-NFL Advocacy and Entrepreneurship
Derrick Morgan retired from the NFL in 2019 but has continued his advocacy for the plant-based lifestyle. He is a prominent investor, focusing on companies that offer solutions to social and environmental issues, and has invested in plant-based food company Beyond Meat. His business ventures and advocacy work, including his role as a brand ambassador for Beyond Meat, show a continued commitment to the values that led him to veganism.
Comparing Derrick Morgan's Health Before and After Going Vegan
| Health Metric | Before Veganism (Predominantly Meat/Dairy Diet) | After Veganism (Plant-Based Diet) |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammation | Higher levels, contributing to chronic aches and slower recovery | Significantly reduced, aiding recovery and improving overall wellness |
| Energy Levels | Experienced fatigue, often relying on daily naps to recover | Improved stamina and sustained energy throughout the day |
| Recovery Time | Longer recovery needed after strenuous training and games | Faster recovery, allowing for more consistent, high-level performance |
| Blood Pressure | Hereditary high blood pressure | Blood pressure returned to normal levels |
| Mental Clarity | No specific mention of mental clarity improvements | Reported improved mental clarity and reduced stress levels |
A Lasting Legacy
Derrick Morgan's journey from a skeptical NFL linebacker to a vocal plant-based advocate has had a ripple effect beyond the football field. His success demonstrates that athletes can maintain and even enhance elite performance without animal products, challenging common misconceptions about diet and strength. Through his continued work as an investor and advocate, Morgan has cemented his legacy not just as a great player, but as a pioneer for health and wellness in professional sports. His story, inseparable from his wife Charity's culinary genius, offers a powerful testament to the benefits of a plant-based diet for athletes and the general public alike.
Learn more about Derrick Morgan's transition and investments on his official website: https://derrickmorgan.com/.
Conclusion
Yes, Derrick Morgan is vegan, and his shift in 2017 was a pivotal moment in his career and post-football life. His experience, supported by his wife's culinary expertise, not only benefited his own health and performance but also inspired numerous teammates to explore a plant-based diet. Today, he uses his platform to promote the lifestyle through impact investing and advocacy, proving that plant-based living can be a powerful engine for success and well-being.
