In professional sports, where peak physical condition is of supreme importance, two notable athletes, NBA star Nikola Jokic and professional golfer John Daly, once found themselves grappling with a surprising addiction. This addiction, although unexpected among elite athletes, revolved around a beverage that held an irresistible urge for both athletes.

The stories of Jokic and Daly stand as powerful reminders that even those at the top of their respective sports can face unexpected challenges and must sacrifice to achieve optimal performance and well-being.

The shocking addiction to a multi-billion-dollar brand

Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ standout player and two-time MVP, recently confessed that he used to consume a whooping three liters of Coca-Cola every day before joining the NBA.

When he was asked as to when he started consuming it during the day, he said, “Never in the morning, because we had practices in the morning, and I could never drink before, but after practice, it was glass after glass. I couldn’t stop.”

In a similar vein, golfing legend John Daly had an unconventional addiction to Diet Coke. Daly famously admitted to drinking a mind-boggling 26-28 cans of the beverage daily. Daly also added that “The band won’t allow me to drink as many.” They knew that he could not have his Coke straight from the can due to the carbonation and required ice with his beverage, which they stopped providing him.

Read More: “Humblest Motherf***** I’ve Ever Seen”: Nikola Jokic’s ‘Disinterest’ on Winning the NBA Championship and Finals MVP Raises Celtics Legends’ Eyebrows

From Coke cravings to unimaginable greatness

As his career progressed, Jokic underwent a remarkable transformation, thanks to the guidance of the Nuggets’ strength and conditioning coaches. He eliminated the sugary beverage from his diet and embraced a healthier lifestyle. The results were evident, as Jokic’s body and game flourished, making him to become one of the league’s top players. When asked if he had any withdrawal symptoms, Jokic said, “No. Nothing. It was easy. It felt really good, actually. It was good to know I didn’t need it.”

Daly also acknowledged the potential health risks the beverage contains and is making efforts to reduce his intake and has got it down to 10-12 cans daily. He does not consume any water and, as an alternative, drinks 5 gallons of milk a week. However, he can consume that only if the milk is mixed with chocolate syrup, which does not sound healthy but is a start.

The stories of Jokic and Daly highlight the extraordinary measures athletes can take to transform their habits and prioritize their well-being. While they once indulged in their love for Coca-Cola, both individuals recognized the importance of making healthier choices to optimize their performance and overall health. As they continue to make their mark in their respective sports, their experiences with their Coca-Cola addiction serve as a testament to the power of determination in the pursuit of personal well-being.

Let us know in the comments what is the maximum number of Coke cans you can drink.

Watch this Story: John Daly, Who Returned to the PGA Tour After Several Months, Suffers an Acrimonious Exit at $8.6M Team Event