Colts Star Michael Pittman Jr.’s Pregame Meal Includes Wacky Breakfast Carbo-Load

There’s a famous scene in the 2003 classic holiday film Elf where Will Ferrell’s character, Buddy, makes breakfast for his newfound family. Inspired by his North Pole upbringing, Buddy the Elf drizzles syrup on top of a hearty plate of noodles for actors James Caan and Mary Steenburgen’s characters.

It turns out that scene isn’t too far from reality for Indianapolis Colts star receiver Michael Pittman Jr.

In an exclusive interview Wednesday with Sports Illustrated’s Brice Butler at Radio Row in Las Vegas, Pittman revealed that as recently as last year he used to eat pasta before every game—even if that meant having spaghetti for breakfast. And he wasn’t afraid to coat the pasta in some sugary tree juice.

“I had to have some type of pasta, whether it’s spaghetti or something. And I’ll actually eat it at breakfast,” Pittman told Butler of his pregame meal. “I’ll put french toast, pasta and eggs—and I’ll just put syrup on everything.

“So, I’m eating french toast and pasta with syrup at the same time. Carbs, sugar—I load up. ... You get juiced up and you have energy to go all day.”

It sounds like Buddy the Elf would be proud.

Pittman said he’s eased off the wild carbo-loading last year, and it appears to be working for him, as he notched a career-best 109 catches for 1,152 receiving yards in 2023. The former second-round pick just wrapped up the final year of his rookie contract and is set to be an unrestricted free agent in March.

As for Super Bowl LVIII? Pittman is rolling with the San Francisco 49ers. 

“I think the 49ers [will win],” Pittman said. “... I just think that the 49ers are a complete team. They have it all. They have great players on offense, defense. Nonetheless, it’s going to be a great game to watch.”