Athletes' Game Day Meals Slideshow

A hitting machine for the Boston Red Sox, this Hall of Fame third basemen finally won a World Series with the New York Yankees late in his career. What did he have to eat before each game? Chicken. Whether it was fried, grilled, or sautéed, Boggs had to have this bird in some form. He even published a cookbook filled with his favorite chicken recipes because of this superstition. 

Recipe Idea: Cold-Smoked Fried Chicken

All-star veteran for the Boston Celtics, Pierce won an NBA Championship with fellow superstitious eater Ray Allen in 2008. How'd he do it? By eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich 55 minutes before every game. 

New York City born and raised, this unique all-around player won championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010. Named NBA's 6^th Man of the Year this past season, he now stars in his own reality show together with his wife Khloe Kardashian and chows down on as much candy as he can — even in the middle of the night. 

Indianapolis Colts NFL superstar quarterback and commercial celebrity, this Super Bowl Champion eats two pieces of grilled chicken, a bowl of pasta with marinara sauce, a plain baked potato, a side of broccoli, and Gatorade before every game. No matter what time of day.  

Star Chicago Bulls point guard and 2011 NBA MVP, Rose played one year in college for Memphis and is a tenacious defender known for his lightning quick moves off the dribble. He will be a perennial all-star in the league for years to come as long as he keeps eating his sweets — his publicly known and acknowledged addiction. Though his personal chef has made him swear off fast food, sugar is something that he will not give up, which is fine by us as long as he keeps up the good work. 

This Boston Celtic holds the all-time record for three-pointers and helped lead the Celtics to the NBA championship in 2008. Known around the league for his tireless work ethic, he's still going strong at the age of 35 thanks to his pregame diet of baked chicken, steamed brown rice, asparagus, and bottled water with a slice of lemon. 

An accomplished veteran point guard, Fisher is known for his clutch late-game play and has been Kobe Bryant's sidekick point guard for the Lakers in multiple championships. What does he eat to kick off his day? Cereal, with a particular fondness for Cinnamon Toast Crunch. He also endorses the energy drink FRS.

Though he became a villain to many NBA fans overnight when he announced in the 2010 off-season that he was "bringing his talents to South Beach," LeBron is widely considered the game's most talented and best overall player but has yet to win an NBA championship. He will continue to be criticized by the media and rival fans until he does, so he may want to ask his personal chef to double up on the grilled pineapple and salmon or find a new go-to meal before games.

A modern day 'monster of the midway' for the Chicago Bears, Urlacher is a physically intimidating Pro Bowl middle linebacker known for his crushing hits on opposing players. How does he find the energy and endurance? By eating two chocolate chip cookies before every game. 

Canadian born, multiple MVP award-winning point guard for the Phoenix Suns, Nash is famous for his floppy long hair and no-look passes and probably one of the most entertaining players of his era. Still going strong at the age of 37, he maintains a strict and healthy diet that focuses on natural foods like fruits, vegetables, fish, and chicken.

Franco-Ontarian right-winger for the Philadelphia Flyers, Giroux was an All-Star in 2011 and is primed to be a star playmaker for the hockey-crazed Philadelphia fans for years to come. His secret? Grilled cheese sandwiches before every game. 

A global sports icon who is considered by many to be the best player of all time, Jordan is a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and is now an owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. What did he eat before each game to keep him going? All-American steak and potatoes. 

You have to wonder how Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter has managed to be a five-time World Series champion who recently closed in on 3,000 hits with a smashing home run. Maybe it's due to his requisite meal of pancakes and an omelette before each game. 

Having played in 13 all-star games, Alex Rodriguez starts game days off with a refreshing and healthy bowl of fruit.