THE COLTS' ANDREW LUCK is a 6'4", 240-pound NFL field general with smarts and courage. He is, in other words, an American archetype, but no one would guess that by looking in his fridge. "I don't think it's sophisticated, but it is a little Eurocentric," the 24-year-old quarterback says of his diet, which tends toward fancy chocolate, stinky cheeses and other Old World favorites.
Why such European tastes? Luck grew up in England and Germany for nine years, while his father, former Houston Oilers quarterback Oliver Luck, worked for NFL Europe. And while some of Luck's choices might sound more suitable for a French polo player than an NFL star, no Indianapolis fan is likely to question Luck's nutrition after he set the NFL record for most combined passing yards (8,196) in his first two seasons.
Perhaps more players should eat as if they're just back from the Continent.
CHOCOLATE
"I eat the big rectangular bars, between 50% and 85% cocoa," he says. Dark chocolate has less sugar and more inflammation-fighting nutrients than the typical candy bar. Still, "I eat way too much," Luck says. "I tell myself two squares, then I eat half a bar."
BODYARMOR
Luck downs a sports drink during and after workouts. "My favorite flavors are strawberry-banana, grape and orange-mango," he says. Luck's supply is rarely lacking, as he's a part-owner of the company, along with Kobe Bryant and Richard Sherman.
BAKED BEANS
They're one of the few American classics in Luck's kitchen, but he eats them for breakfast. "I'll make an omelet with cheese and deli meats, then I'll eat muesli and yogurt mixed with fruit—then a side of baked beans," Luck says. "They're good protein, good fiber, good for you."
DUCK PROSCIUTTO
Luck recently stumbled on these thinly sliced pieces of cured waterfowl during a trip to his butcher. "I enjoy asking the folks working there what they recommend," he says. "And it's good, maybe a little saltier than other thinly cut meats."
CHEESE
Bleu, Brie, Gouda, Muenster—Luck says he's "a sucker for cheese," especially the stinky kind. "I eat cheese and crackers before a meal—that's my afternoon snack. Or I'll mix in cheese with an omelet in the morning."
EDGE
For a more in-depth look at Andrew Luck's refrigerator, visit SI.com/Edge
PHOTO
ANDY LYONS/GETTY IMAGES (LUCK)
PHOTO
COURTESY ANDREW LUCK (REFRIGERATOR)
