Cesar Ruiz makes sure to use the best training methods as he prepares for the 2026 season. And as the 2020 NFL draft pick explains to M&F, he’s added artificial intelligence to his already impressive conditioning program.
The 6’4″ offensive lineman wanted to be the best version of himself increased due to injuries such as a broken leg in 2022forcing him to rely on mobility, flexibility and recovery. Recently, he has been dealing with a knee problem, but as the new season approaches, the man from New Jersey is ready to play. “I feel good right now,” Ruiz says. “Over time, I’ve definitely learned how important it is to listen to my body, stick to my routine, and do something to be ready every day.”
Now living in Dallas, Ruiz is taking advantage of the off season practice under former Saints and Miami Dolphins star Terron Armstead. “He was a role model for me, especially as a veteran,” explains Ruiz. “He’s done it at a high level and he’s very easy to listen to because everything he says comes from real experience. When someone talks like that, you pay attention.”
While Ruiz appreciates the importance of human interaction in training, the 315-pound athlete is also turning to technology, embracing AI as a tool to master his meal plans. The big man explains that he was first introduced to AI by his close friend Noah Perry. “I wanted to be more organized with the food I was eating and the foods that really worked for my body,” Ruiz said. Noah told me Claudeso I dealt with it.”
NFL star Cesar Ruiz created an AI nutrition app and says it changed everything
AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude are becoming an essential resource for dedicated athletes due to the convenience, accessibility and flexibility they offer. “I’ve always loved and understood computers, so AI was something I was immediately interested in,” says Ruiz. “I spent six or seven hours with Claude and it basically coded a program for me. I’m still tweaking it and adding extras to it, but it’s custom made for me. It organizes meals, recipes, macros, portions and what I need based on my calorie needs. I don’t really count every single calorie, but it helps me make sure I’m getting my protein and staying on track. “
Having artificial intelligence in the palm of your hand also allows for constant tracking and even the ability to sync with other devices. “My app tracks my progress, my weight, my body composition and my training, and it’s connected to me Ohso it adds things like my sleep score as well. My app also tracks what I eat and drink and it’s super easy to enter everything. It might take me two minutes.”
Can AI improve sports performance?
While research in this area is relatively new, a A large two-year study showed that fitness programs have serious potential. Data from more than half a million Canadian fitness app users showed that those who started with less than 5,000 steps a day completed the project by adding 1,000 to 2,000 daily steps. Experts have found that there are a number of factors that determine adherence to a fitness program, including the type of training discipline. But AI is thought to encourage greater use through connectivity and personalized design, leading to better enjoyment and compliance.
“One of the most interesting features is that if I don’t know what to eat, I have a list of foods that I know my body will respond well to. I can click ‘Generate’ and my app will create a recipe for me. It can even generate Michelin-style recipes and I can filter it or whatever I want.
How is Cesar Ruiz using AI to run the NFL?
“I use AI more for numbers, structure, and putting everything in a system so it’s easy for me to understand and follow,” says Ruiz. “Diet can become more difficult when you eat a lot and try make sure you are getting what your body needs every day. The app makes it simple for me because everything is in one place. I look at what I ate, what I drank, how much protein I got, how my body is reacting, and maybe what I need to adjust.”
Ruiz views AI as an extension of his training, not a replacement for human coaches, and feels that unique interactions with trusted personalities like Terron Armstead and Trey Smith will fuel his preparation for the upcoming season. “Training with Theron was great,” says Ruiz. “And Trey’s my best friend. We’ve been extremely close since we were 15, so he’s really like a brother to me at this point. We’ve been doing this for so long that we can train together at this level now.”
Why Human Trainers Still Matter in the Age of AI
At the very least, AI can’t replicate the bonds that Ruiz made on the field. “The biggest takeaway is how easy it is to communicate when you have that relationship with someone. It’s not forced. It’s a conversation. Trey and I know each other, we understand each other, and we can pick each other’s brains in a way that’s natural,” explains Ruiz. “It’s unique because it’s one-on-one, but it also comes from a very strong relationship. Trey has played with me, he understands who I am as a player and it makes it easy.”
And, as the 2026 season approaches, Cesar Ruiz is experiencing a different side of human life, far from AI. “I’m always excited about the season,” Ruiz says. “But this year will be special because I will be watching my son in the stands. It will be a great feeling!”
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