SEC Football Stars Champion Dairy Milk's Role in Athletic Performance Through Milk's Got Game Campaign

The Dairy Alliance has launched another season of its Milk's Got Game campaign, featuring SEC football players Gunner Stockton and Talyn Taylor of Georgia and Jake Merklinger of Tennessee, along with their mothers, to demonstrate how real dairy milk's nutritional benefits support athletic performance. The campaign showcases milk's role in providing 8 grams of high-quality protein per serving, which aids in strength building, recovery, and hydration for active lifestyles.

Joanne Engelhardt-Risko, Vice President of Strategic Marketing at The Dairy Alliance, stated that real dairy milk has evolved into a powerful sports drink that helps athletes recover, stay strong, and perform at their best. The campaign also celebrates mothers as the original champions of dairy milk, highlighting their role in establishing nutritional habits that continue to benefit athletes throughout their careers. For more information about the organization's initiatives, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.

University of Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton shared that milk has been part of his daily routine since childhood, providing essential nutrition for practice and helping him push harder on the field. His mother, Sherrie Stockton, emphasized that real dairy with high-quality protein and hydration has been consistent since his first steps. Similarly, wide receiver Talyn Taylor noted that dairy milk gave him an edge during childhood training and continues to help him stay strong, recover faster, and perform optimally.

Tennessee quarterback Jake Merklinger highlighted how real dairy milk kept him energized and ready from an early age, with his mother ensuring it remained part of his routine. He continues to rely on milk for post-workout recovery and maintaining game readiness. The campaign underscores the connection between family, nutrition, and athletic success, illustrating how foundational dietary habits established at home contribute to peak performance on the field.

Dairy farmers from the Southeast, including Samantha Craun from Tennessee and Jennifer Glover from Georgia, expressed pride in supporting the campaign and the dairy industry. They emphasized milk's consistent delivery of nutrition and strength from farms to families, fueling both athletic endeavors and everyday wellness. The Milk's Got Game initiative reinforces dairy milk's position as an essential component of athletic nutrition programs, benefiting athletes from practice sessions to competitive game days.