Josh Allen Reveals His Cheat Day Meal That ‘Will Stand the Test of Time’ (Exclusive)

Josh Allen is revealing his pre- and post-game rituals.

The Buffalo Bills quarterback talked to PEOPLE exclusively about getting back into football season on the set of Pepsi’s latest campaign, “Tailgate Crashers.”

When asked about how he is spending his time before the start of the NFL season, which kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 4, when the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Dallas Cowboys, the 29-year-old said, “Mentally, I’m just trying to enjoy my time off because I know once we go back it’s hitting the ground running.”

Allen’s 2024 season concluded with being awarded the NFL MVP Award, an acknowledgement that he still feels “a lot of gratitude, a lot of thanks” for more than six months later. But, the quarterback was adamant that the award hasn’t affected the way he sees himself as a leader, saying, “I’m still going to try to be me, that’s all I’ve tried to do throughout my career.”

While training camp and preseason have helped him to start “ramping it up” after some time off, he has plenty of day-of rituals to help get his head into each game.

“When fueling up before a game, I don’t eat anything,” Allen admitted. “When it’s a day game, I typically don’t eat before. If it’s a late game, I’ll throw in a little buttered pasta.”

Before hitting the field, you can expect him to be listening to one particular song: “That’s Life” by Frank Sinatra. “That gets me ready to go,” he said.

When it comes to unwinding after a game, Allen said it’s all about “enjoying the comfort of others.” “Getting home, being with my family and friends, being with my wife,” the former Wyoming Cowboys said, referring to Sinners actress Hailee Steinfeld who he tied the knot with on May 31. He will spend some time “dissecting what happened — good or bad” before turning on a movie or another football game to get his mind off of it.

Sometimes, he indulges in a cheat day, which typically involves wings and Pepsi (Cherry Pepsi is his favorite). “It’s a combination that will stand the test of time,” Allen declared. When asked where he stands on the ranch versus blue cheese wing dip debate, “There’s no doubt in my mind that it’s blue cheese,” he said.

Pepsi has always been closely tied with his football experiences, the California-native said, explaining that his earliest memories about the sport involved tailgating. These core memories are part of what made the campaign with Pepsi such a clear fit for him.

The drink brand’s latest campaign, which PEOPLE has the exclusive first look at, features Allen and fellow NFL icon Justin Jefferson. The spot, dropping Wednesday, Sept. 3, sees the athletes crashing tailgates with Pepsis in tow, throwing the sodas like footballs at thirsty fans.

The commercial will get a real-life spin at various NFL stadiums. Fans at Philadelphia Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field, the New York Jets’ MetLife Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium and more can expect Pepsi takeover at their parking lot grill outs.