Patrick Mahomes turns off tv before bed, Josh Allen does red light therapy, JJ McCarthy meditates, and Lamar Jackson boxes for cardio (Image via Getty: Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes)
His recovery score remained around the 40-to-60% range. Because apart from quietening the noise, they must process defensive formations, make razor-fast decisions, and remain calm and composed under immense pressure. Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl-yearning quarterback Josh Allen revealed in a GQ interview that he and his wife, Hailee Steinfeld, had been using an infrared sauna featuring red light – almost daily. From that moment, he decided that he won’t go a day without it.
The father of three said that the nighttime routine helped better his recovery. “It was during COVID, and when I went through a period of depression,” McCarthy said via Star Tribune. This prompted him to examine his habits. After reconsidering his nighttime routine, he started keeping his bedroom colder, using blackout curtains, and turning off the television, as well as staying away from his smartphone before sleeping. His experiment speaks volumes about the importance of consistent sleep routines for athletes managing demanding training schedules and high-stakes competitive yearly seasons. As per Healthline, turning off the TV and phone before bed gives your brain a chance to wind down. It helps you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more rested. Most Instagram reels show that – posh couples using it extensively. And now, it’s entered the NFL QB and his wife’s lives. Allen spoke highly of getting sufficient sleep. He aims for 8½ to 9½ hours of sleep every night. He admits that falling asleep can be tedious at times, so having a consistent bedtime routine particularly helps then. Beyond red light therapy, he has also incorporated regular workouts, swimming, and attention to daily nutrition. Together, these habits ensure his physical readiness throughout the season. You hardly hear Josh Allen getting hurt! Plus, multiple attributes contribute to his massive frame, ability to avoid direct hits, and high pain tolerance. Plus, he’s much like Matthew Stafford – known to have played through injuries. Unlike many who sneeze and get injured – pardon our words – Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels, for instance? Again, just speculation. As per Healthline, red light therapy may help ease muscle pain and inflammation, though more research is required. Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is known to have embraced meditation. Who would blame him if everyone blames him for being a bust and injury-prone? Anyhow, sometimes, mental preparation is all that is particularly valuable for quarterbacks. As for J.J. McCarthy’s meditation connection, it all started during COVID, when the New York Giants quarterback suffered from depression. “I was just in a really dark spot. I had a blessed upbringing. I didn’t really know what depression and anxiety was all about. And going through that alone and being isolated at a boarding school, I didn’t have too many resources to help me out with mental health. McCarthy then started looking for things to promote better mental health, and meditation was the first thing that popped up. He started learning about it, studying it, and researching it. He never really got anywhere until he started practicing it. And once he started doing it over a period of time, he started experiencing its benefits. He once tested going one week without meditation, and he found out how he felt without it. As per Healthline, meditation can help reduce stress, sharpen focus, and improve sleep quality. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson incorporated boxing into his offseason training.
Mahomes previously slept with his television on and sometimes used a smartphone right before bed [like we all do inevitably].
In March 2026, the two-time NFL MVP shared a video on social media working on combinations with Dawson Saint Jour, a high-performance boxing and strength coach. As per Jones’ website, Jones claims to have coached 23 Super Bowl champions and over 500 pro athletes. But being damn-near 30 and still being unable to figure out how to avoid getting sick every winter? Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
Because boxing improves immunity by enhancing circulation, lowering stress, and promoting deep sleep. Because sometimes, the secret to surviving football’s grind is knowing when to step away from it – and knowing what to do with your free time. He’s already missed one game this season due to an ankle injury.
JJ McCarthy has meditation that could help him tune out the constant “bust” chatter. Every NFL player needs an escape hatch when football starts taking over their life. For Patrick Mahomes , that means shutting out the noise and protecting his sleep when the pressure of chasing another Super Bowl becomes overwhelming. Josh Allen , on the other hand, turns to red-light therapy with his wife, actress Hailee Steinfeld. Lamar Jackson ? He has added boxing to his offseason routine this year, thereby giving his training a different kind of thrill. Or maybe an immunity boost that keeps him healthy every winter. Different players, different ways to switch off – or gear up. Life in the NFL demands more than just throwing touchdowns, dodging defenders, and lifting weights. Between the relentless media scrutiny, punishing weekly schedules, and mountain-level expectations to deliver every Sunday, finding ways to recharge can be just as crucial as game day. From prioritizing sleep and experimenting with recovery techniques to practicing mindfulness and adding unconventional workouts – NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, J.J. McCarthy [bust, maybe], and Lamar Jackson – have their own ways of looking after their bodies and minds. Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes stressed the significance of creating a better sleep environment during an appearance on the WHOOP podcast. The quarterback captioned the post, “I salute every boxer out there. The Super Bowl-yearning QB was probably training at Coach Troy Jones’ gym in Miami. Jackson’s offseason workouts usually include field training, hill sprints, and throwing to teammates and other NFL receivers, including Zay Flowers. Boxing is his new item on the training mix. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines As per Healthline, Lamar Jackson boxes for cardio. Every punch, pivot, and shuffle works your core, arms, and legs at once. Boxing helps relieve stress. Boxing drills improve cardiovascular endurance, coordination, balance, and footwork. These benefits act as complements to football conditioning, but the impact of it on Jackson’s performance? We’re yet to establish. Of course, it’s not related to boxing. Well, that speaks to immaturity, as per FOX Sports host Nick Wright. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.