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Robert Saleh has planted seeds to grow a healthier Tennessee Titans in 2026.
Or, more accurately, he's removed them.
"One of the first things I think we did here is get rid of all the seed oils in the building," Saleh said of the dietary changes at Vanderbilt Health Football Center on May 21.
Seed oils, often referred to as vegetable oils, include canola oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil. According to Harvard Medical School, the Omega-6 fatty acids in seed oils can cause inflammation, a common factor in heart disease and other health problems. They also commonly used in fast-food and other processed foods like potato chips.
Saleh, who is in his first year as Titans coach after nine seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets, has restocked the cafeteria with healthier non-seed oil options for players. With the blessing of the team's owner, of course.
"Miss Amy (Adams Strunk) has allowed us to attack the budget and get the players better variety," Saleh said. "I've been in six different (NFL) buildings and I'd put this (nutrition) staff up there with the best of them. The product they put out in the cafeteria daily is outstanding."
Experts differ on whether seed oils are necessarily bad for professional athletes, who have much different caloric needs than the average person. But several players, including safety Amani Hooker, have praised Saleh's decision.
"That's a big thing, (seed oils) weigh on you, make you not feel good," Hooker said. "Now, definitely, in the cafeteria we have a bunch of options."
Perhaps no one will be impacted more from these dietary changes than quarterback Cam Ward. The Titans' No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft is coming off a shoulder injury and has made staying healthy a focus of his second season.
"I'm trying to get a little bit leaner, trying to stay durable for a long season," Ward said.
Through a combination of diet and calorie counting, Ward said he's lost 10 pounds since last year. His listed weight is 219 pounds.
"Just work on my body away from the building," Ward said of his diet work. "Watching the amount of protein and carbs I need to put in. Do what's best for my body."
Ward, who threw for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his rookie season was joined by fourth-year QB Will Levis and former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker at the first OTA. Mitchell Trubisky is also listed on the roster, but did not practice.
NEW HIRE: Titans hire new executive VP for football operations, Chad Brinker's replacement
Ward later explained how the 10-pound difference in weight helped him during team drills.
"It helped with my durability, with being faster and getting up in the pocket. Just with trying to play at my speed," Ward said.
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex at [email protected]. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Titans coach Robert Saleh explains why seed oil options removed from cafeteria
Continue reading...
Or, more accurately, he's removed them.
"One of the first things I think we did here is get rid of all the seed oils in the building," Saleh said of the dietary changes at Vanderbilt Health Football Center on May 21.
Seed oils, often referred to as vegetable oils, include canola oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil. According to Harvard Medical School, the Omega-6 fatty acids in seed oils can cause inflammation, a common factor in heart disease and other health problems. They also commonly used in fast-food and other processed foods like potato chips.
Saleh, who is in his first year as Titans coach after nine seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets, has restocked the cafeteria with healthier non-seed oil options for players. With the blessing of the team's owner, of course.
"Miss Amy (Adams Strunk) has allowed us to attack the budget and get the players better variety," Saleh said. "I've been in six different (NFL) buildings and I'd put this (nutrition) staff up there with the best of them. The product they put out in the cafeteria daily is outstanding."
Experts differ on whether seed oils are necessarily bad for professional athletes, who have much different caloric needs than the average person. But several players, including safety Amani Hooker, have praised Saleh's decision.
"That's a big thing, (seed oils) weigh on you, make you not feel good," Hooker said. "Now, definitely, in the cafeteria we have a bunch of options."
Perhaps no one will be impacted more from these dietary changes than quarterback Cam Ward. The Titans' No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft is coming off a shoulder injury and has made staying healthy a focus of his second season.
"I'm trying to get a little bit leaner, trying to stay durable for a long season," Ward said.
Through a combination of diet and calorie counting, Ward said he's lost 10 pounds since last year. His listed weight is 219 pounds.
"Just work on my body away from the building," Ward said of his diet work. "Watching the amount of protein and carbs I need to put in. Do what's best for my body."
Ward, who threw for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his rookie season was joined by fourth-year QB Will Levis and former Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker at the first OTA. Mitchell Trubisky is also listed on the roster, but did not practice.
NEW HIRE: Titans hire new executive VP for football operations, Chad Brinker's replacement
Ward later explained how the 10-pound difference in weight helped him during team drills.
"It helped with my durability, with being faster and getting up in the pocket. Just with trying to play at my speed," Ward said.
Alex Daugherty is the Predators beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Alex at [email protected]. Follow Alex on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @alexdaugherty1. Also check out our Predators exclusive Instagram page @tennessean_preds.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Titans coach Robert Saleh explains why seed oil options removed from cafeteria
Continue reading...
