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Caleb Williams explains decision to go on TB12 diet, advice from Tom Brady

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz08/02/24

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Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams and FOX analyst Tom Brady
Photo of Caleb Williams: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports; Photo of Tom Brady: © Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

As he goes through his first training camp with the Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams continues to channel his inner Tom Brady. The No. 1 overall pick recently started the TB12 Diet – something he learned from the GOAT himself.

The diet, according to Brady’s website, calls for plates to be 80% filled with plant-based foods and 20% animal-based. Williams pointed out a few of the food he has to avoid, such as white rice, flour, red sauce and sugar. The goal is to reduce inflammation and, in his words, “stay healthy.”

Williams hasn’t shied away from his goals in the NFL. In fact, during an appearance on The Pivot, he showed Ryan Clark his phone background, which shows he wants to win eight Super Bowls – one more than Brady. While he didn’t show it to Brady when they met earlier this offseason, Williams said they’ve spoken, and he got some good advice.

“I’ve reached out to Tom a few times,” Williams told ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. “Obviously, he has the knowledge of 20 years … of playing ball and being healthy. That’s ultimately what I’m trying to reach is play that long. Play as long as I can, and then, I can be healthy through all of it. A big part of it is the diet. Working out, how you work out, the things you work out.

“And then getting on the field, the mental part, the physical part, takes over. But the things I can control, control those things, which is my diet. I think that’s a big key to be able to play for such a long time.”

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Caleb Williams was one of the many rookies to meet with Brady earlier this offseason. The legendary quarterback, who’s now FOX’s No. 1 analyst, passed along some words of wisdom to the next generation.

When it comes to succeeding in the NFL, Brady encouraged those in attendance to focus on whatever’s in their control. That includes diet, and Williams said that’s part of the reason he chose to go on the TB12 Diet.

“I would say he kept harping on competitive stamina,” Williams said. “He kept harping on being around your guys, understanding them, that relationship. It’s hard. The job is hard. That’s what he said – it’s a tough job.

“It’s tough to go out there and win games. Doing the best you can in the film room, with your diet and all the other things you can control, go out there and handle those things, and it gives your chances of winning games and doing what you want to do, it gives you the best chances.”