Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsMonday, June 29, 2026

Chiefs DT Dontari Poe gave up BBQ

Poe, a Memphis native, is making the supreme sacrifice to improve his performance on the field this season.

Kyle Rivas

Dontari Poe was mostly anonymous during his rookie year in Kansas City last season. This year, he wants to be a better football player, and that means making sacrifices. Big sacrifices. Like giving up barbecue.

The Chiefs defensive tackle dished to the Kansas City Star about life without delicious smoked meats:

”It might be the hardest thing I’ve had to do since I’ve been here.

“I eat a lot of eggs in the morning, eat a lot of protein, grilled chicken, grilled fish, stuff like that. I’m trying to cut out the beef and the pork and stay away from the fried foods. And stay away from the barbecue.”

Poe was born in Memphis, and played his college football there, before the Chiefs drafted him with the 11th overall pick in 2012. For a guy tied to Memphis and Kansas City, this is like the culinary equivalent of Abraham-Isaac. (Though it’s not clear if sheep meat is on the menu, and we’re definitely not prepared to equate Andy Reid to Jehovah).

Still, Poe's giving up BBQ and fried foods while playing for Andy Reid, the man responsible for making Taco Tuesday and Fast Food Friday a regular feature during his stint with the Eagles. At least he's probably had his fair share of the stuff over the years.

It at least seems to be working for Poe so far. He estimates that he’s dropped between 15-20 pounds, bringing his weight to a svelte 335 pounds. Scouting reports praised Poe’s athleticism as a college player, and by all accounts he’s showing well in training camp this season.

More from SB Nation:

Scouts divided on Johnny Manziel’s NFL future

LeSean McCoy: ‘I can’t respect a guy like’ Riley Cooper

Seahawks’ Harvin has surgery, return timetable not set

49ers’ Culliver carted off field

Complete NFL training camp coverage

See More:

More in NFL

NFL
Brendan Sorsby gets more bad news, this time from the CFLBrendan Sorsby gets more bad news, this time from the CFL
NFL

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has hit another hurdle on his road to the NFL

By Mark Schofield
From SBNationExternal Link
Who wins the AFC West?Who wins the AFC West?
From SBNationExternal Link
By Mark Schofield
NFL
NFL breakout candidates at every position in 2026NFL breakout candidates at every position in 2026
NFL

A team of NFL players poised to have breakout campaigns in 2026.

By Jarrett Bailey
NFL
Lions CB Terrion Arnold faces potential life in prison for alleged kidnappingLions CB Terrion Arnold faces potential life in prison for alleged kidnapping
NFL

The Detroit Lions defender faces a potential sentence of life in prison.

By James Dator
NFL
Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026
NFL

Another setback for the QB.

By James Dator
NFL
WNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in FriscoWNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in Frisco
NFL

The Women’s National Football Conference Championship will air on ESPN2 this weekend.

By RJ Ochoa