The Washington Commanders bolstered their pass-rush by adding veteran defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. Here are five things to know about one of the team's newest defenders.
**1\. He's a part-time owner of a vegan restaurant.**
Wise, a former fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2017, has been vegan since his rookie season. He wanted to make sure his body was getting the best nutrients possible, and after doing some research on how a vegan diet can improve one's athletic ability, he cut out meat entirely and moved towards plant-based protein.
"Almost immediately after changing my diet, not only did I come back with added muscle mass, but some of my weight training numbers improved to personal bests, and I continued to effectively produce on the defensive side of the field," Wise told Greatveganthletes.com.
The lifestyle changes not only led to success on the field but also in other aspects of his professional life. Last year, he announced an investment in Veggie Galaxy, a Boston-based vegan restaurant with a full vegetarian menu.
"To have the opportunity to work with a company with which I share the same core beliefs and values makes this more than just a business opportunity for me," Wise said. "I'm also very excited to play a role in helping to make plant-based food more accessible to a wider audience."
So, if you're ever around Boston and want to try comfort food like burgers and macaroni and cheese with a vegan twist, give Veggie Galaxy a try. You can check out their menu and bakery options **[HERE.](https://www.veggiegalaxy.com/)**