Towering above partner Taylor Swift at 6ft 5, Travis Kelce is hardly the vision of a man who survives on salads and shakes.
Nope, it turns out the Kansas City Chiefs tight end - who recently faced cruel trolling over his new haircut - has to pump 4,000 calories each day while practicing and playing to support his athletic frame, having roped in private chef Kumar Ferguson to help him get there.
Ferguson got the call from Kelce back in 2016, telling Kansas City magazine how he would ‘cook for all the bros’ when they were growing up.
Advert
“That kitchen table hangout has always been a center for all of us,” he said.
“We have definitely carried that tradition with us.”
Eight years ago, Kelce realised he wanted to step things up with his diet and reached out to his old pal, even though Ferguson had never worked in a professional kitchen and had been driving a truck for six years.
“We haven’t looked back since,” he said.
Advert
During football season, Ferguson cooks three daily meals for Kelce, from oatmeal with fresh fruit for breakfast to seafood alfredo for dinner.
He’s also been inspired by Kelce’s ‘grill master’ dad, making sure fillet steaks regularly feature in the diet.
But when it comes to game day, there’s one particular thing Kelce will always eat – and has done ever since he joined the Chiefs.
Advert
You'd think he'd be guzzling giant bowls of pasta or trying to cram as much lean protein into his body as possible, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
When asked by Today what he ate for breakfast before the first game of the season last year, he replied: “Oh, I swear that morning passed in a blur.
“My mind was on the task at hand. But it was probably my usual pregame meal, French toast and some strawberries.
"I’ve eaten it before all my games since being a Chief. I’d say it’s served me well so far.”
Advert
Kelce added that, after a game, his usual go-to is pizza, depending on who’s around, but is also fond of a quick sandwich like peanut butter and jelly if he’s on the move.
As for his day-to-day diet, he’s always thinking about what he needs as a footballer.
“It all starts in the off season; my chef and I have got a good system in place that works well,” Kelce said.
Advert
“I have a little more room when I’m traveling to try local food and stuff, but during the season my focus is to carb-load.”
Topics: Travis Kelce, Celebrity, Food and Drink
Jess Hardiman