Protein helps rebuild muscles after tough workouts or games, and the quality of the protein is as important as the quantity. Many cuts of red meat are high in fat, so some athletes are choosing leaner game meats over rib-eyes and strip steaks. Indianapolis Colts LB Dwight Freeney is one of them. He says, “A 12-ounce Buffalo New York Strip, that’s my thing, with some grilled onions and mushrooms on the side.”
Freeney knows that bison is leaner than even grassfed beef. That’s because bison are naturally leaner animals. Bison meat may be a little more expensive than beef, but it’s healthier and packed with protein. Every cooked 3.5-ounce serving packs 24 grams of protein and only 122 calories.

Bison Fact

There is 250 percent fewer grams of fat in a 3.5-ounce serving of bison vs. the same-sized serving of 95-percent lean ground beaf, according to the USDA.