The league has evolved tremendously over the years and has bettered itself in every aspect imaginable. The dietary requirements of players are no exception. Due to advancements in research and technology, the science behind every significant aspect of player health and fitness has been exalted to new heights. Modern players follow strict workout routines and diets, leaving no room for error. However, this Larry Bird fact from the 90s will surely stun modern NBA fans.

The norms of the 90s were the wild wild west compared to today’s standards. Despite being one of the best players in the league, 3x champion Larry Bird also fell victim to the woeful health and fitness practices of the time. Bird suffered through a gruesome back injury all his career. The injury sidelined him for the majority of games in his twilight years. During one of these stints away from the court, Bird incessantly stuffed himself with extrordinary amounts of food which almost proved fatal.

Larry Bird once miserably fell out of shape during an injury

Throughout his Hall of Fame career, Larry Bird faced several challenges on his way to success. However, Bird’s toughness and resolve made him overcome the toughest of challenges. But one of the hills that Bird never managed to topple was his back injury. At the start of the 90s, the Celtics legend was sidelined for most of his games due to the severity of his injury. During this time away from the game, Bird developed a potentially life-threatening habit.

“A**hole, Piece of Sh*t!”: Celtics Legend Larry Bird Received Strong Abuses Over 1 Minor Refusal

Larry Legend never found himself out of shape in his illustrious career. However, during his extended time away from the game, out of character, Bird put on a few pounds on the back of an eating spree. The three-time MVP confessed to eating all day. According to his own testimony in a 1991 Sports Illustrated piece, “I was so bored, I’d sit around the house, drive my wife crazy, and eat and eat.” Moreover, Bird also revealed the stats of his embarrassing run, “In 2½ weeks, I was off, I ate 10 gallons of ice cream and seven weddin’ cakes.” However, his unusual appetite for a wedding cake stood out in his diet. 

Trending

Heat Injury Report: Latest On Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson Ahead of Game 2 vs Celtics

April 24, 2024 02:46 PM EDT

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT

Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer

March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

April 22, 2024 03:36 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Bird’s diet would have never passed in the modern NBA. Developments in food science and a better understanding of physiology have enabled modern-day chefs to maximize nutritional content. Teams spend a boatload of money on high-end kitchens and world-class chefs. Bird’s diet at the time is extremely unhealthy and dangerous for even the average human, leave alone a professional athlete.

Watch the Story – Larry Bird Kobe Bryant, other NBA players who have bested Michael Jordan

What is your opinion on Bird’s eating habits? Comment your thoughts below.