SEC Football Stars Partner with Dairy Alliance to Promote Milk's Performance Benefits

The Dairy Alliance has launched its annual Milk's Got Game campaign, featuring University of Georgia football players Gunner Stockton and Talyn Taylor along with Tennessee quarterback Jake Merklinger, showcasing how real dairy milk powers athletic performance. The nonprofit organization, funded by dairy farm families across eight Southeastern states, emphasizes milk's role in supporting strength, recovery, and hydration for athletes at all levels.

Joanne Engelhardt-Risko, Vice President of Strategic Marketing at The Dairy Alliance, stated that real dairy milk fueled these athletes during their development and continues to power their current routines. The campaign positions dairy milk as a powerful sports drink that helps athletes recover, maintain strength, and perform at their peak level. The initiative also recognizes mothers as the original champions of dairy milk consumption in athletic households.

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton credited his mother for ensuring milk was part of his daily routine growing up, providing the nutrition needed 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 part of her son's regimen since his first steps. Wide receiver Talyn Taylor noted that real dairy milk gave him an edge during childhood training and continues to make a difference in his performance and recovery.

Tennessee quarterback Jake Merklinger highlighted how real dairy milk played a significant role in keeping him energized and ready for action throughout his development. His mother maintained milk as part of his routine, and it remains one of his primary recovery methods after workouts. The campaign celebrates the connection between family, nutrition, and athletic performance, suggesting that success on the field often begins with nutritional foundations established at home.

Southeast dairy farmers expressed pride in supporting the campaign and the regional dairy industry. Tennessee dairy farmer Samantha Craun and Georgia dairy farmer Jennifer Glover both emphasized milk's consistent delivery of nutrition and strength from farm to family. With 8 grams of high-quality protein per serving, real dairy milk serves as what the organization calls the MVP of performance and everyday wellness for athletes transitioning from home to collegiate competition. For additional information about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.