The Vegan Journey of an NFL Underdog
Former NFL wide receiver Griff Whalen carved out a successful professional football career despite being an undrafted free agent from Stanford. His grit and determination were hallmarks of his time with teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Baltimore Ravens. However, one of the most talked-about aspects of his career wasn't a trick play or a clutch catch, but his dietary choices. In 2014, following a foot injury, Whalen embarked on a journey that led him to adopt a vegan diet, a decision he credited with transforming his athletic performance.
Why Griff Whalen Switched to a Plant-Based Diet
Whalen's transition to veganism was not a sudden one, but a carefully researched decision motivated by a desire for a competitive edge. As he told Forks Over Knives in a 2016 interview, his quest for better nutrition began after a foot injury in 2012, but he fully committed after being inspired by documentaries like Forks Over Knives and Engine 2 Kitchen Rescue. He felt an immediate difference, noting his body felt lighter and more energetic. He experienced:
- Faster recovery time after intense workouts or practices.
- An improvement in overall body composition, with reduced body fat and increased lean muscle.
- Enhanced speed and overall feeling of wellness.
The Athlete's Plate: A Mid-Career Transformation
His diet, which he shared in interviews, was a complete overhaul from the typical Midwest diet he grew up on. His meals were rich in whole, unprocessed plant foods.
A Typical Day for Griff Whalen (Circa 2016)
- Breakfast: Overnight oats with cashew milk, seeds, maca, and fruit.
- Post-Workout Smoothie: A blend of almond milk, banana, dates, berries, seeds, and leafy greens.
- Lunch: A large portion of grains with legumes and vegetables like broccoli and peas.
- Dinner: A massive salad with diverse toppings, often with a side of rice or Indian/Mexican-inspired dishes.
This disciplined approach wasn't always understood by his teammates, but he faced it with good humor. He patiently answered questions and became an unintentional advocate, with some teammates even showing interest in trying it themselves.
Life After the NFL: The Verdict on Whalen's Diet
Griff Whalen retired from professional football in 2019, concluding his career with the CFL's Calgary Stampeders. For many athletes, retirement marks a shift in dietary needs and habits, often involving a reduction in calories and weight loss. However, based on available evidence, Whalen's commitment to a plant-based lifestyle appears to have endured beyond his playing days.
His personal Instagram account, @griffwhalen, still features the prominent descriptors "Vegan 🌱💪" and "Plant-powered" in his bio. While he doesn't post frequently about his diet, this clear public statement on his personal profile serves as a strong indicator that he remains committed to veganism years after leaving the demanding world of professional sports. His journey underscores that for some, veganism is not just a tool for peak performance but a long-term, personal value. The lack of any public statement to the contrary further supports the conclusion that he continues to be vegan.
The Post-Retirement Diet: Performance vs. Longevity
The dietary motivations for an active athlete differ from those of a retiree. For Whalen the NFL player, the diet was about recovery and competitive advantage. As a retiree, the benefits shift towards long-term health and well-being. A comparison illustrates the change in focus:
| Aspect | In-Career Vegan Diet | Post-Career Vegan Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Enhanced recovery, competitive edge, energy, and strength | Long-term health, wellness, longevity, and disease prevention |
| Caloric Intake | High to support intense training and maintain athletic weight | Likely reduced to align with lower activity levels and maintain a healthy weight |
| Macronutrient Focus | High emphasis on complex carbohydrates and complete proteins | Balanced macros for general health, potentially adjusting protein intake |
| Supplementation | Careful tracking of iron and B12, potentially supplementing with creatine for muscle support | Continued focus on essential vitamins like B12, potentially less intensive supplementation |
Conclusion: A Lasting Lifestyle Choice
While Griff Whalen's career in the NFL is over, his legacy as one of the league's notable vegan athletes persists. All available evidence, from his past commitment to his current social media presence, points to the fact that his plant-based diet was not a temporary fad but a deeply rooted lifestyle change. For fans and aspiring athletes curious about the longevity of a high-performance vegan diet, Whalen's continued dedication offers a compelling case study.
For more insight into Griff Whalen's journey, check out his interview with the plant-based lifestyle advocacy group Forks Over Knives: NFL Player Griff Whalen on the Perks of Being a Plant-Powered Athlete.
