NFL Nutrition: From the Lab to the Pitch | Dr. Matt Frakes

What does it take to deliver performance nutrition in the NFL? In this episode of We Do Science, I’m joined by Dr Matt Frakes of the New York Giants to explore the realities of supporting elite athletes and turning nutrition research into everyday practice.

Matt shares his journey from college football player and clinical dietitian to working in collegiate sport and the NFL. We discuss why qualifications alone don’t earn an athlete’s trust, how to build relationships with players and their support networks, and what individualised nutrition looks like within a team environment.

We also explore Matt’s doctoral research into nutrition and concussion recovery, his experience supporting an athlete during Ramadan, and the practical challenges of feeding players both inside and outside the training facility. Along the way, we discuss supplements, commercial testing and the demands of supporting recovery across a long, physically demanding season.

For sports nutrition practitioners, coaches and students, this conversation offers an honest look at the communication, collaboration and judgement involved in working at the highest level—and the lessons Matt would share with someone starting out.

Subscribe to We Do Science for more conversations on the science and practice of performance nutrition.

Connect with Matt:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superiorfrakes/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfrakes89/

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.laurentbannock.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurent_bannock

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Matt’s journey to the NFL

09:00 From clinical nutrition to elite performance

16:47 Building trust and individualising athlete support

27:50 Nutrition and concussion research

33:27 Understanding the athlete: beliefs, habits and Ramadan

44:12 Delivering individualised nutrition across a team

50:02 Food provision and nutrition outside the facility

1:05:48 Supplements, commercial testing and player trust

1:14:05 The demands of NFL nutrition and recovery

1:24:23 Career lessons and advice for practitioners