NFL Franchise 'Bans' Seed Oils From Its Entire Facility

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated May 21, 2026 3:03 PM ET

The Tennessee Titans are undergoing a major franchise overhaul this offseason.

The Nashville, Tennessee franchise hired former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh to take over. Saleh, who recently served as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, was hired as the next head coach of the Titans this offseason. Tennessee, led by former No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, will look to take a big step forward during the 2026 season.

The changes are coming off of the field, too.

Saleh announced on Thursday, May 21 that he's banned seed oils from the team's facility. The team's nutritional department is working with the coaches and the players on the overhaul. It appears to be going well so far, according to Saleh.

The Titans opted to remove oils like canola and soybean from their cooking, instead replacing them with alternatives to boost performance.

Robert Saleh has made changes to practice routine, but also to the team’s dietary program. One of the first orders of business: remove all seed oils pic.twitter.com/0J6xU00xcQ
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) May 21, 2026

“One of the first things I think that we did here is get rid of all of the seed oils in the building, which I think the players appreciate. Ms. Amy has allowed us to attack the budget and get the players a better variety… I've been in six different buildings, and I'd put this staff up there with the best of them. The product they put out in the cafeteria daily is outstanding,” he told the media on Thursday.

The nutritional community is split on seed oils

While some, like Saleh, seem to be in line with "seed oils are bad," the scientific community does not have a consensus opinion.

“There is abundant evidence suggesting that seed oils are not bad for you. If anything, they are good for you,” says Matti Marklund, PhD, MSE, an assistant professor in InterAnational Health.

According to Marklund, "have been demonized based on misunderstandings of how they’re made and how the human body uses them, as well as their ubiquity in ultraprocessed foods."

Still, the Titans are opting to go against them right now.

Tennessee is scheduled to open the 2026 regular season on Sunday, Sept. 13 against Saleh's old team - the New York Jets.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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