GREEN BAY -- Cheese is a staple in Wisconsin -- the Dairy State, but Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers says he's eliminating it from his diet. Rodgers told ESPN on Thursday, June 2nd that he has adopted a sort of vegan diet in an effort to extend his career.
He told ESPN that since his knee surgery in January, he has been eating "some red meat at times and some chicken" -- but that he is trying to focus on fruits and vegetables.
"I think that's how I can extend my career -- if I eat a little bit better," Rodgers told ESPN.
32-year-old Rodgers told ESPN he is down to "218-ish" pounds from 230 at his heaviest.
"It is a little unusual, because Wisconsin is known as the dairy state," Judy Knudsen, Brown County family living educator said.
Rodgers said he worked with the team's nutritionist in cutting dairy products in an effort to reduce inflammation in certain parts of his body.
"When you play at that level, and Aaron Rodgers saying he's having issues with inflammation and other sorts of things, you start to look for options or alternatives to try and minimize those issues. Most Americans don't have to deal with inflammation issues and so for them, we highly recommend that they still continue consuming calcium-rich dairy products. We know that it's important for bone health. It's also a recovery drink for individuals involved in sports activities. It's good for our teeth," Knudsen said.
But dairy products should be consumed in moderation.
"Two to three servings a day of calcium rich dairy," Knudsen said.
Alan Trick, owner of Nala's Fromagerie in Green Bay says he's been a season ticket holder since 1963. He says his cheese might be able to change the star QB's mind.
"Maybe he'll get off the diet if he tries some of the 10-year white cheddar that we've got, or something that's really tasty. I have a piece of 40-year cheddar in the back that I have been saving and if he shows up in here and wants to try it I will definitely get it out for him," Trick said.
When it comes down to it though, cheese heads are more concerned with Rodgers' performance on Sundays than his diet.
Rodgers, who is entering his 11th NFL season says he hopes to play until he is 40.