Celebrity Tailgate: Bill Romanowski

09/07

For 16 years Bill Romanowski was known as one of the toughest, and sometimes out-of-control, players in football. The linebacker played for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, and Oakland Raiders. Along the way he amassed four Super Bowl rings and a reputation.

Now he runs Nutrition 53, Inc. during the week and spends his Sundays in the parking lot instead of on the field.

Q What’s your favorite part of tailgating?
A I love challenging myself. I’m not a “burgers-n-dogs” guy – I’m the guy out there with the raw veggie platters and the whole, lean chicken on the rotisserie. I’m very careful about what I put in my body – I want to make sure I’m always performing at my best. Tailgating doesn’t have to be about junk food. I think most tailgaters, like me, try to one-up themselves every season, making better and better food. For me, that means trying to make something healthy and nutritious while still making my friends and family happy.

Q What’s in your cooler?
A For me, it’s usually really cold lemonade or an Orange Cream Neuro1 on ice… I bring vodka for my friends who like to mix it with Neuro1 to make the ultimate energy cocktail.

Q On the grill?
A Veggies, veggies, veggies… I’m talking portabella mushrooms, Japanese eggplant, sweet red onions, purple and yellow peppers… and I really like including a great piece of fish or some fresh shrimp. Think of it as Jambalaya in the parking lot…

Q Gas or charcoal?
A Charcoal.

Q What lesson have you learned from
tailgaters?
Tailgaters are experts in letting go of the daily stresses of life and having a great time. We are real people with a real passion for the game. I also learned that people are surprised when they meet me - Bill Romanowski - versus ROMO. To date, I have never thrown, kicked or otherwise broken anyone’s BBQ! I have been humbled by what wonderful and fun-loving people I’ve met who share their food, their drinks, and their time. When you tailgate, everyone is a friend.

Q What was your best tailgate experience?
At last year’s Raiders game, I joined my staff from Nutrition53.com at their tailgate. Within minutes of walking to sign someone’s jersey, I had a swarm of dedicated fans who wanted to talk, shake hands, etc. The best part of this is when people would say, “I’ve tried your product and it’s changing my life.” What I did on the field was about me, my ego, my drive to dominate. The best experience I can have now is to hear that I’m improving the lives of others.

Q Your worst?
A I can’t remember having a bad tailgating experience.

Q What’s your favorite tailgate food?
A Pistachios and popcorn.

Q Why?
A Pistachios are a good source of protein and popcorn is my favorite snack food in the world.

Q Is it about the game or the party?
A It’s ALWAYS about the game. I think of the tailgate as the pre-game warm up, but game time is when the energy is at its highest and people are at their best. Without the game, tailgating is just a parking lot picnic.