Professional Soccer Player Says He’s Been Vegan for Five Years

In a recent interview with the UK-based Telegraph, Major League Soccer player Matt Watson discusses his conversion to a vegan diet five years ago. Watson, who is a midfielder for Chicago Fire, went plant-based after Akira Fitzgerald—a vegan teammate on the National Association of Soccer League team Carolina Railhawks—suggested the dietary change to prepare him for the major leagues. Watson admitted that he consumed too much fast food, but once he eschewed all animal products from his diet he “felt better straightaway,” adding, “I don’t think I’ll ever go back.” The 30-year-old now relies on nuts, beans, and tofu as his primary sources of protein and supplements with vegan protein shakes. When he was 22-years old, the multi-talented athlete was offered a record deal for an album he produced with his wife, which he declined in order to pursue a career in soccer.