In an interview on the podcast "KT THE ARCH DEGREE," Jaylen Brown shared how his decision to go vegan at 24 years old was transformative, both physically and mentally.
"24 I decided to go vegan and that instantly kind of like shifted kind of a lot of different things like That year I was all-star for the first time, that I think that had a correlation. I was just moving differently."
"My thoughts was clear. Everything, my life changed in a sense. And now I intermix vegan practices with my own dietary needs to do. But like, you know, at the time when I was vegan, nothing that I appreciated more than the clear thoughts. The clarity."
According to Brown, the change in his diet coincided with his first NBA All-Star selection, suggesting a strong correlation between his improved performance and the dietary shift. He noticed significant benefits, such as increased mental clarity and overall well-being, which translated into better on-court performance.
When Brown decided to go vegan, he immediately felt different. He experienced clearer thoughts and a new level of energy, which positively impacted his game. His performance peaked, leading to his first All-Star appearance, which marked a turning point in his career. Although Brown has since adjusted his diet to include non-vegan elements to meet his nutritional needs, he continues to incorporate many vegan practices due to the benefits he experienced.
This lifestyle change was particularly evident during the Celtics' championship run in 2024. Brown played a crucial role in securing Boston's 18th NBA title, earning both the Eastern Conference Finals MVP and the NBA Finals MVP. His impressive stats in the Finals, averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, highlighted his enhanced performance and dedication to health optimization.
Brown is among several NBA players who have explored veganism to boost their careers. Notable players like Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, and Cade Cunningham have adopted vegan diets, reporting benefits such as increased energy, faster recovery times, and improved overall health.
However, not all players find veganism sustainable long-term; for instance, Damian Lillard reverted to a more traditional diet after finding veganism counterproductive to his needs.
For Celtics fans, Brown's evolution from a raw prospect to an elite player is a testament to his commitment to his craft. His willingness to refine his diet and lifestyle reflects his dedication to improving his performance.
Despite facing challenges, such as a tough loss in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat last summer, Brown's resilience and determination led to a remarkable turnaround, culminating in a championship victory.
Brown's experience underscores the potential benefits of veganism for athletes, demonstrating how dietary choices can significantly impact performance and mental clarity. As he continues to blend vegan practices with his current dietary needs, Brown remains focused on maintaining the high standards he has set for himself, both on and off the court.
