Steelers Draftee Gennings Dunker's Pre-Game Meal Will Blow Your Mind

Eating to keep weight on seems like a dream, but it gets old pretty quickly. Many football linemen don't just naturally carry around 300+ lbs in an easy, comfortable way. In fact, many of them drop that extra weight immediately upon retiring. But until then, being as big and strong as possible is the name of the game.

One such example is new Steelers offensive lineman Gennings Dunker. The Iowa Hawkeye has garnered attention for his eccentric look, charming personality, and country boy background.

Recently, he detailed what he eats to get ready for each game. The routine starts the evening before game day, and the sheer volume of food is shocking.

Night Before – 5:30pm

• 2-3 Servings of Pasta in Meat Sauce
• 12 oz. Steak
• Bread Rolls
• 2 Servings of Fruit

Night Before – 8:30pm

• 3 Hamburgers
• 3 Bags of Baked Lays
• Hot Chocolate
• Hydration Supplements

Game Day – 7:15am

• 2 Chicken Breasts
• 4 Pieces of Toast
• 2 Bowls of Wheaties
• Pancakes
• 3 Cups of Water
• Hydration Supplements

Game Day – 9:00am

• 1 Chicken Breast
• 4 Pieces of Toast

Game Day – 10:15am

• Honey Stinger Energy Waffles and Chews
• Various Hydration Supplements

What's even crazier than the amount of food Dunker eats is the frequency. Imagine eating a 12 oz. steak with multiple servings of heavy pasta, and then eating another huge meal just three hours later!

It's fascinating to watch linemen toe the line between size and performance. Dunker himself has said that this routine is certainly not fun and that he has a giant gut going into each game. But playing in the Big Ten, and now the NFL, requires size in the trenches. At the same time, you can't be so bloated that you're unable to move and block.

Dunker has an opportunity to compete for the starting guard position with the Steelers, following the loss of Isaac Seumalo to the Cardinals. Whether or not Dunker wins a starting spot, his larger-than-life personality and jaw-dropping meal prep will make him a fan favorite. One thing is certain: when Dunker lines up on Sundays, he'll be doing it on a full stomach.

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This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 10:04 AM.