The NFL Draft gave teams a chance to infuse their rosters with elite rookie talent. Franchises now expect these newcomers to help change the trajectory of their organizations.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had a polarizing 2026 NFL Draft. Still, one selection earned near-universal praise: offensive lineman Gennings Dunker out of Iowa.
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The 96th overall pick captured the attention of fans, media members, and NFL teams with his flowing mullet during workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine. Now, his diet has become the latest topic of conversation — and it resembles a true gladiator’s feast.
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DraftKings recently shared Dunker’s game-day meal plan, and the haul is massive. His preparation begins the night before kickoff. Here’s the full breakdown of the Steelers rookie lineman’s meal routine.
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Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker
Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Night Before the Game
5:30 p.m. Meal
Two bowls of pasta with meat sauce
Two rolls
12-ounce steak
Two servings of fruit
The meal packs in carbohydrates to help store energy for game-day competition while also delivering plenty of protein to support strength and recovery. It contains everything a professional athlete needs to prepare for battle.
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8:30 p.m. Meal
Three hamburgers
Three bags of chips
Hydration packet mixed with water
Cup of hot chocolate
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Offensive linemen do not survive on clean eating alone. Dunker prioritizes calorie intake because he burns through fuel as quickly as he consumes it on the gridiron. And the hot chocolate? Even NFL linemen crave something sweet.
Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Gennings Dunker (67), center, stands with teammates for the national anthem Nov. 8, 2025 before a Big Ten Football game against the Oregon Ducks at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Game Day: Pregame Fuel
7:15 a.m. Meal
Four pieces of toast
Two bowls of Wheaties
Two pancakes
Two chicken breasts
Water with a hydration packet
The most important meal of the day delivers a heavy dose of grains and carbohydrates to maximize energy levels. The Steelers need their offensive linemen ready to dominate the trenches.
9:00 a.m. Meal
Four pieces of toast
Chicken breast
10:15 a.m. Meal
Honey Stinger waffles and chews
Maurten Gel
Hydration packet mixed with water
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A few quick energy boosts later, and Dunker is ready to take the field for Pittsburgh.
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker (OL20) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In-Game Fuel and Postgame Recovery
In-Game
Honey Stinger waffles and chews
Powerade
Water
The strategy remains simple: stay hydrated and stay energized.
Postgame Meal
Culver’s double bacon cheeseburger
Culver’s family-size cheese curds or onion rings
Three sides of Culver’s ranch dressing
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Now that is a postgame meal. Dunker finishes the day with a well-earned reward after a grueling performance in the trenches. Few athletes would turn down a feast from Culver’s after game day.
Nov 18, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Gennings Dunker (67) and offensive lineman Mason Richman (78) and Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Dylan Rosiek (28) and defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton (4) are separated by an official during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Many fans may wonder what this 24-hour meal plan looks like in terms of calories and macronutrients. Here’s the breakdown:
Calories: 10,065 k/cal
Carbohydrates: 1,060g
Fat: 440g
Protein: 480g
Caffeine: 100-115g
Could you eat like an NFL offensive lineman preparing for game day?