Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman is quickly becoming a fan favorite, not just for his impressive skills on the field, but also for his refreshingly unconventional approach to diet and his engaging personality. While many professional athletes adhere to strict nutrition plans, Coleman fuels his body with a mix of fast food favorites and home-cooked meals, defying typical expectations.
The McDonald's and Waffle House Game Day Ritual
Coleman's fondness for fast food is well-documented. Before games, he indulges in a McDonald's feast consisting of two Hot 'n Spicy McChicken sandwiches with cheese, a medium fry, a 10-piece Chicken McNugget, and an Oreo McFlurry. After the game, he heads to Waffle House for a sausage, egg, and cheese grit bowl, four scrambled eggs with cheese, a side of pork chops, hash browns with cheese, and a Hi-C.
A Love for Snacks
Beyond his game-day rituals, Coleman enjoys snacking. He's been seen grabbing cookies during press conferences and keeps fruit snacks readily available.
Dinner at Josh Allen's: A Culinary Clash
A dinner invitation to quarterback Josh Allen's house revealed a stark contrast in culinary preferences. Accustomed to fast food and hearty Southern meals, Coleman was surprised by the private chef's offerings, which included items he didn't recognize. He jokingly compared the meal to "the stuff Jesus fed the people in the little children's books," noting that it looked like "onions, fish, and bread."
The biggest point of contention was sushi, which Allen attempted to introduce to Coleman. However, Coleman firmly refused, citing his mother's aversion to it as his reason. "I didn't want that," he stated, emphasizing his loyalty to his family's food traditions. "I had to call her. I ain't know what that was," Coleman admitted. "Like the type of food, the sushi he was trying to give me."
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Fishing is Fine, Eating Fish is Not
Despite his aversion to eating fish, Coleman enjoys fishing, cleaning, and cooking seafood-but only for others. This highlights a distinction between his willingness to engage with food preparation and his personal dietary choices. "I'll fish, kill a fish, cook 'em," he said.
A Draft Prospect with Nutritional Potential
Keon Coleman's talent is undeniable, with many projecting him as a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, some observers suggest that he could benefit from improving his nutritional habits. While acknowledging Coleman's young age and elite athleticism, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of a diet high in processed foods and dairy.
One perspective suggests that such a diet, combined with pre-game nerves, could lead to digestive issues. It was suggested that Coleman could invest some of his NIL earnings in a clean-eating meal plan or nutrient-dense delivery service.
Authenticity and Social Media Savvy
Coleman's genuine personality has resonated with fans. His hilarious press conference soundbites and highlight-reel catches have made him a popular figure. He embodies the spirit of the Gen Z athlete.
Coleman has also embraced social media, partnering with Booking.com's Genius Loyalty Program for a Niagara Falls escape. He humorously recounted his experience, noting that he "just came and looked" at the falls because he was "too tired" to take a boat ride. He also highlighted the program's benefits for fans traveling to see him play, including discounts on rentals and hotels.
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Louisiana Roots and Culinary Preferences
Coleman proudly represents his Louisiana roots, particularly the 337 area code encompassing Lake Charles, Lafayette, Opelousas, and Carencro. He distinguishes this region's cuisine from that of New Orleans, stating that New Orleans food has "all that fancy, extra stuff."
When traveling for away games, Coleman typically opts for Popeyes or Subway on the plane. Upon arrival, he seeks out convenient options, such as steakhouses. He also recommends Lost & Found in Houston for its Cajun pasta with chicken, sausage, and shrimp.
Buffalo Recommendations
When asked about Buffalo, Coleman suggests attending a Bills game or a Sabres game. For wings, he recommends Bar-Bill, and for elevated dining, he suggests Buffalo Chophouse. However, he admits that he is "not much of an eat-out type of guy." He also declared that the best pancakes he ever had were in Buffalo.
Team Focus and Super Bowl Aspirations
Despite his individual preferences, Coleman emphasizes the importance of teamwork and selflessness. He believes the Bills have a "plethora of different guys that can make plays," and that their unselfishness is special. He highlights the team's dominant offensive and defensive lines and expresses his commitment to contributing to as many wins as possible. Ultimately, his goal is for the team to reach the Super Bowl.
Combine Experience
Coleman recalled his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine on the 7pm in Brooklyn podcast, reflecting on his experience at last year’s Scouting Combine. He was eating fruit snacks, and some of the teams apparently didn’t appreciate that. “Teams mad I’m eating fruit snacks,” Coleman said, via Eva Geithheim of SI.com. “I’m like, ‘I’m hungry.’ I’m listening. Can I grab a little fruit snacks every now and then? Y’all got all the snacks in here. That’s just for show? . . . If you ain’t gonna draft me over some fruit snacks. . . .”
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He also criticized the Combine workouts, questioning the relevance of linemen running the 40-yard dash.
Draft Analysis
Draft analysts have identified Coleman as a potential target for the Buffalo Bills. His size, speed, and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect.
Training Camp Hype
Updates from training camp suggest that Coleman is developing a strong rapport with quarterback Josh Allen. Highlight catches and positive reports from beat reporters have fueled excitement about his potential impact this season. After two early drops, Coleman was impressive, according to multiple reports from those in attendance at the team’s open practice at Highmark Stadium.